On today’s episode of completely unexpected moves in the tech world, the Duolingo owl has mysteriously died. The popular language-learning platform announced on February 11, 2025, that its icon was dead, prompting a ton of questions from app users. Social media erupted with speculation, with a few pointing out that the supposed death happened hours after Duolingo posted a sly “Say Drake” reference to Kendrick Lamar‘s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, dissing Drake with his hit track “Not Like Us.”
In a statement shared by a Duolingo spokesperson to USA Today, the company said, “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.”
So, what happened to the Duolingo owl? Read on to find out everything we know so far.
Who Was the Duolingo Owl?
The Duolingo mascot was known as Duo the Owl (full name: Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo). He was a digital happy green owl who would greet Duolingo users while using the app. According to the company, he was born in 1000 B.C.
How Did the Duolingo Owl Die?
Duo the Owl’s cause of death is still under investigation, Duolingo said in a social media statement.
“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,” the platform announced, before quipping, “Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know.”
Duolingo jokingly added that they’re aware Duo the Owl “had many enemies,” and they asked the public to “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,” Duolingo added (a company spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that this was a joke though, and they do not encourage anyone to actually share their credit card information).
At the end of their statement, the app referred to Duo the Owl’s one-sided love for pop star Dua Lipa.
“We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time,” the statement concluded. Dua, along with countless other celebrities, paid their respects to the late mascot online. The “Illusion” artist wrote in an Instagram comment, “Til’ death duo part.”
Who Will Be the New Duolingo Mascot?
It’s still unclear who Duolingo will replace its owl with — or if it ever will.
