In a jaw-dropping marketing move that has captivated audiences worldwide, the “death” of a cherished mascot has unleashed an online frenzy of epic proportions. From the World Health Organization to Netflix, an outpouring of condolences has flooded social media channels, underscoring the immense impact of this elaborate stunt.
The saga began unfolding on a Tuesday when Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, announced the passing of Duo the Owl, a beloved green bird who had attained internet stardom. Shared across various social media platforms, the somber announcement read, “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead. Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death, and we are fully cooperating. To be honest, he probably met his demise while waiting for you to complete your lesson, but who are we to say.”
Acknowledging that Duo had acquired a fair share of enemies, the announcement hinted at a mysterious demise that had befallen the iconic owl. A subsequent video released by the Duolingo brand depicted characters Lily and Zari solemnly carrying Duo’s coffin to a waiting pickup truck, which drove off into the distance.
Adding a cinematic twist to the narrative, another video emerged showing Duo meeting his fate at the hands of a Tesla Cybertruck, intensifying the intrigue surrounding the mascot’s demise. While the owl had initially gained notoriety as the “Evil Duolingo Owl” in 2019, it was not until 2021 that his presence on TikTok catapulted him to newfound fame, with Duolingo sharing playful and tongue-in-cheek videos featuring a life-sized version of the mascot.
Regardless of the authenticity of Duo’s demise, the announcement sparked a wave of solidarity from brands and organizations, all joining in mourning the character across social media platforms. The World Health Organization paid tribute to Duo with the hashtag “#RIPDuo,” sharing a poignant image of the owl in grayscale with X’s over its eyes, alongside a witty remark about smallpox eradication.
The European Space Agency humorously remarked on Duo’s lack of a spacesuit with a celestial image, while Netflix playfully integrated the owl into the fictional world of the hit series “Squid Game.” Chipotle, a popular food chain, reminisced about Duo with a nostalgic image, and gaming franchises such as Halo and Assassin’s Creed even incorporated the owl into their virtual realms of mourning.
Even pop sensation Dua Lipa, affectionately dubbed “mommy” by the owl in a viral video, expressed her sorrow at the news, underscoring the widespread impact of Duo’s “demise.” Prior to his supposed passing, Duo had stirred controversy online by commenting on the Super Bowl halftime show, drawing parallels with Canadian rapper Drake and igniting speculation about potential legal entanglements.
As discussions around Duo’s fate continued to proliferate online,
