THE STORY – A Eurasian Eagle-Owl named Flaco escapes from the Central Park Zoo and sets off on a magical odyssey through the island of Manhattan. Flaco overcomes his years of captivity and lack of survival skills to answer the call of the wild–and discovers he was wild inside all along.
THE CAST – N/A
THE TEAM – Penny Lane (Director)
THE RUNNING TIME – 95 Minutes
The premise of “Wild Inside” sounds sort of like a children’s fantasy film: an escaped zoo animal learns how to be wild, despite years in captivity. And yet, it’s true, and you don’t have to be a New Yorker to be familiar with the story of Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl who spent the first 13 years of his life at the Central Park Zoo, then escaped and lived in Central Park and various parts of Manhattan for a year. During his time as a free bird, he learned how to fly, hunt, and coexist with humans and other animals. Flaco’s appearance in the city was like a fantasy: he seemingly appeared out of nowhere, like a vision. While “Wind Inside” shows both sides of the captivity vs. wild debate, Lane probably falls on the side of Flaco being allowed to be a free bird. This might anger the zoo community, but for owl and animal lovers–myself included–wild animals shouldn’t, in theory, be in captivity. Even though Flaco died after flying into a building (likely as a result of consuming rodents with pesticide), he took full advantage of his freedom, becoming a hero for many people. Lane’s film is a beautifully filmed love letter to our connection to nature and animals. A variety of people are interviewed, and it’s so joyful to see people come together to appreciate and love Flaco.
Lane’s film doesn’t just focus on Flaco; it also acts as a sort of love letter to owls, especially wild ones. These majestic, often fearsome birds have been seen in art for more than 36,000 years, implying that humans have lived side by side with owls for many years. “Wild Inside” is, too (in a way) highlighting New Yorkers by showcasing how people of different generations and backgrounds followed Flaco’s journey. The real footage of scientists, birders, animal rescuers, and more is immersive and appreciated. While the presentation of Flaco’s arrival in the city right after his escape appears like a reenactment, it still comes across as cinematic, especially a zoo escape (well, someone cut the wire in his exhibit).
But “Wild Inside” isn’t just about owls. There’s an appreciation for the whole animal kingdom felt throughout, as Flaco’s typical prey, rats, are spoken of highly by a couple of people. While strongly disliked by many, it’s pointed out that they’re sentient creatures who are smart and social animals, but happen to be food for certain predators like owls. In the same vein, Lane interviews animal lovers who claim that zoo residents like Flaco should have autonomy and, when they do, they should be allowed to be free. It’s unethical, they say, to trap a self-sufficient animal. That’s why it’s so astounding to learn how–through interviews and stunning video–an owl who’d spent his entire life in captivity (in a small, sparse exhibit) taught himself to fly, hunt, and coexist with nature. This made me identifiable to many, who became fully invested in his story.
Some of the most effective moments in the film are when no one is being interviewed, and we hear Carolina Eyck’s lovely score accompanied by footage of Flaco and other Central Park animal denizens. It is important to note that Lane interviews people who don’t fully approve of Flaco being allowed to fly free, with one person saying that the zoo shouldn’t have “abandoned” him when it ceased trying to trap him. And one worker at The World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri sidesteps when asked about complaints regarding Flaco’s zoo exhibit. Individuals who’d seen the exhibit described it as “horrifying” and far from adequate, making his triumphant life as a free bird all the more admirable.
“Wild Inside” is a beautifully made film from Lane (whose previous credits include “Hail Satan?” and “Confessions of a Good Samaritan”). Still, it also delves into the ethical nature of places like zoos. As one reporter points out, zoo animals and wild animals are essentially the same; the only difference is that one is caged/confined and the other is free. But the documentary also asks questions like, is it truly ethical to free an animal raised in captivity, where more dangers await them in the real world? Also, how can we improve our relationships with our nonhuman neighbors? As a longtime vegan and animal lover, this story hits close to home, though I can see how the film will resonate with a vast audience.
