Warsaw. Franek, the legendary falcon from the Palace of Culture and Science, is dead

The nest, which is located at the top of the Palace of Culture and Science, was inhabited by a pair of falcons: Franek and Giga. The pair took over this place after their predecessors. Falcons Wars and Sawa passed away in 2015 at the age of 19 and 20. After Franek left, only Giga remained in the nest.

The falcon was found on one of the Palace roofs, on the side of Marszałkowska Street. “If we find out anything more, we'll let you know. Right now, there's only sadness,” the Sokół Association for Wild Animals reported on Facebook on Wednesday.

Franek was raised and released from an artificial nest in the chimney of a yeast factory in Józefów in 2008. Together with his bird partner Giga, they raised many chicks. The news that the falcon had died moved Internet users.

“Franek was known for being a devoted father to many chicks, even those that were left behind. I think he had a good long life, but even that, of course, has to end sometime,” wrote an Internet user in a comment on the Association's Facebook page.

“Goodbye Franio, you were a wonderful father, partner, and caregiver. You will remain in my memory – you and your family. As well as your entire group of fans. Thank you for these extraordinary experiences and emotions,” wrote another.

Some Internet users speculate that the falcon may have been poisoned and suggest that toxicological tests be carried out.

The peregrine falcon is one of the rarest species in Poland. It became extinct in the 1960s; now its population is slowly recovering thanks to a breeding and reintroduction program.

The first falcons in Warsaw, originating from a breeding farm in Włocławek, were released by falconers and ornithologists in 1996. They first nested in the Palace in 1998.