The Duolingo Owl is dead and the world needs answers
Let’s take a moment to remember Duo, the extremely enthusiastic but borderline psychotic owl that would never let you skip your Spanish lesson.
Image by Cybernews
Let’s take a moment to remember Duo, the extremely enthusiastic but borderline psychotic owl that would never let you skip your Spanish lesson.
Duolingo, the foreign language learning app, has just announced that Duo otherwise known as “The Duolingo Owl” has been found dead. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
The foreign language learning app posted on Instagram that Duo, the company’s mascot, had been found dead.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally The Duolingo Owl, is dead,” Duolingo said.
an important message from Duolingo pic.twitter.com/jTTT680yVs
undefined Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
Authorities are conducting a swift investigation into the death of the dearly departed Duo, as his cause of death remains a mystery.
Yet, Duolingo has suspicions about Duo’s mysterious death – “tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know.”
While Duo was loved for his enthusiasm and love for languages, the company did acknowledge the obvious – that Duo made a lot of enemies during his short time on Earth.
Whether or not this contributed to his death is yet to be revealed. This is a developing story, which will be updated when we have more details.
Update: Duo’s cause of death has been uncovered as video footage uploaded to X shows Duo being hit by a Cybertruck. The person behind the wheel is yet to be identified.
UPDATE: Reward for whoever can identify the driver. Please post any leads on Twitter.
undefined Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025
Thank you for your patience with us during these trying times. #Ripduo pic.twitter.com/zv8QxtNh9E
At this time, Duolingo is asking netizens to respect Dua Lipa’s privacy during this time, referencing their alleged (perhaps one-sided) friendship and Duo’s unwavering love for Dua Lipa.
The foreign language app makers are also asking netizens to be kind and refrain from sharing disrespectful or rude remarks about the deceased.
Yet that didn’t stop users from dancing on the owl’s grave, as netizens took to Instagram’s comments to say exactly what they thought of the bird.
“My condolences in all languages,” one said. “Yay, I can finally release the families that are locked in the basement,” and “the wicked owl of the west is dead, good news,” joked others.
The last few posts on X and Instagram following Duo’s death were making light of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, where he performed the song “Not Like Us,” which calls fellow artist Drake out for being an alleged pedophile.
GOD DAMMIT DRAKE pic.twitter.com/E3OgukzCp3
undefined Smith & Allen LLC 💙💚 (@i_shoot_RAWs) February 11, 2025
Many users speculate that Drake is the reason for Duo’s death, and “instead of being sued by Drake, Duo dies.” This is all speculative and hasn’t been confirmed by Duolingo or authorities.
Online users rejoice over Duo’s death, but we must ask ourselves whether this will be the last we see of this linguistic menace.
Expect a resurrection
Duolingo has been known for its incredible marketing when it comes to advertising and branding its foreign language app.
The Duolingo Owl has been integral to humanizing the brand and engaging users, prompting them to learn languages in a fun way.
The bird has grown so popular that it has been seen attending events like Berlin Fashion Week.
While this sad and untimely death is shocking to many people, a representative from Duolingo told E News that no owl dedicated to Duolingo would “drop dead without a story.”
Be sure to watch out on Duolingo’s social media accounts for more information regarding the death of Duo.
May he rest in peace (for now).