Why Is the Duolingo Owl Dead? ‘Death’ Explained

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Are you curious about why Duolingo’s cherished owl symbol seems to have passed away? The company’s recent announcement has been trending, generating questions and theories. Whether you’re a longtime user or just learning about it now, Duo the Owl’s situation is bound to catch everyone off guard.

Let’s delve deeper into Duolingo’s announcement, unpack the circumstances behind Duo’s supposed demise, and discuss its broader implications.

What happened to Duolingo’s Owl mascot?

Duolingo announced on February 11, 2025, that its mascot, Duo the Owl, is dead.

As a devoted Duolingo fan, I’m deeply saddened to share the news they posted on X (previously Twitter). They expressed, “With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that our beloved mascot, Duo, formerly known as The Duolingo Owl, has passed away.” Duolingo further revealed that the authorities are currently investigating the cause of death, and they are fully cooperating with the process.

The social media post stated, ‘To be honest, he likely passed away while waiting for your lesson, but who knows. We understand that he had numerous adversaries, however, we politely request that you avoid expressing why you dislike him in the comments. If you choose to share, kindly include your credit card information to facilitate your subscription to Duolingo Max in his honor.’

In addition, the company updated its social media profile images and app logo to display Duo with crossed-out eyes. A post on Duolingo’s official X channel showcased a video of an enigmatic Tesla Cybertruck colliding with its mascot. The caption read: “Reward for anyone who can identify the driver. Please share any clues on Twitter. Thank you for your understanding during these challenging times.

Duolingo’s spokesperson admitted to CBS News Pittsburgh’s KDKA-TV that the character Duo’s demise is part of a promotional strategy. They also urged people not to disclose their credit card details. Duolingo’s branding is characterized as both wholesome and unconventional, with its mascot’s popularity sparking this distinctive tone.

According to CBS, the company’s original intention for their mascot was to motivate regular practice. However, once the internet took hold of him, he evolved into a character that could be seen as complex and even threatening, with his own backstory. Despite this, he remains adorable and cuddly. Yet, he is also capable of temporarily moving your family if necessary to make sure you complete your lessons.

It’s quite plausible that the owl mascot’s “death” is actually a creative publicity stunt by the company. They may be planning to unveil more information about this in the near future. As of now, it’s unclear what will happen to Duo, but there’s a possibility he could reappear with a fresh name and look at some point down the line.

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2025-02-13 00:10