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DUO, everyone’s favourite threatening owl who is the mascot of the language learning app, has died, the language learning app has confirmed.
On Tuesday February 12, the company announced on social media that it has an “important message” which left fans baffled.
The icon for the language learning company has changed after his ‘death’[/caption]
Duolingo stated that the owl who has been immortalised in many memes had died.
They added that the death of the owl known for his threatening reminders to complete at least one lesson a day is being investigated.
The company wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formerly known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead.
“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully.”
But the language learning app couldn’t let the owl’s so-called ‘death’ go without a guilt-tripping comment that echoed those made by Duo to slacking learners.
“Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know?” the statement said.
“We’re aware he had many enemies, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments.
“If you feel inclined to share, please also include your credit card number so we can automatically sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory.”
The message concluded with a reference to an online joke comparing the owl’s name to popstar Dua Lipa.
It read: “We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”
The company also changed its social media icons to the face of the iconic green owl with crosses in its eyes and its tongue sticking out.
But it seems that fans are confused by the message’s meaning, leading the company to reiterate that the owl has truly died.
Some have suggested it was a reminder to users to update the app or to return to their lessons, but a new statement from the company has revealed that it is another unusual marketing strategy.
Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully.
Duolingo
It comes after the owl has looked sad and old leaving users ‘depressed’.
Duolingo has also previously done an app update showing the owl icon cracked as Duo cried “somebody fix me.”
After being approached by The Tab, Duolingo confirmed that the owl is truly dead but that the rest of the story is yet to unfold.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm the statements in our recent social posts are true.
“It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mascot, Duo the Owl.
“For years, he tirelessly reminded millions to do their language lessons—sometimes with gentle nudges, sometimes with sheer, unhinged persistence.
“But even the most relentless of birds can only take so much. Our app icon reflects this tragic loss with ‘Dead Duo’.”
The statement added: “There is an ongoing investigation that we cannot comment on extensively at this time.
“We know no owl as dedicated as Duo just drops dead without a story.
“Keep an eye on our social channels as we uncover the shocking (and possibly absurd) truth behind his untimely demise.”
Duo’s green behind was turned into a viral Super Bowl commercial in another bizarre marketing ploy[/caption]
