Duolingo's owl mascot dead, company says

Duolingo has announced that its mascot — the iconic owl Duo — is dead.

The Pittsburgh-based language learning app told the public the news via an “important message” on its social media pages.

an important message from Duolingo pic.twitter.com/jTTT680yVs

— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025

“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death, and we are cooperating fully,” the message with a black background reads. “Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know.”

Duolingo, with headquarters on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, said it was aware that Duo had “many enemies,” but the company is kindly asking to refrain from sharing any hate toward him in 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 announcement reads. “We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”

All of Duolingo’s social media profile photos have been changed to Duo with black X’s in his eyes, with his tongue sticking out, symbolizing his passing.

Duo lovers have taken to social media in the aftermath of the heartbreaking announcement, expressing their reactions.

Good. https://t.co/Mo9bteh8fh

— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) February 11, 2025

Mind you this was his last post before he died… someone investigate Drake IMMEDIATELY https://t.co/4i4E5Yd0xs

— ???????????????? ♡ (rachleahx) (@xrachaelxoxo) February 11, 2025

what does Dua Lipa name have to do with Duolingo death https://t.co/8O4oK7Cl8d pic.twitter.com/TsHxTtaSqi

— kay (@LegendaryKay__) February 11, 2025

you’re laughing. the duolingo bird died and you’re laughing.

— ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ fairy ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙ (@dumfairyy) February 11, 2025

the Duolingo marketing manager today https://t.co/ioLbyiPtSe pic.twitter.com/p8Su9WUXvt

— T (@teewatterss) February 11, 2025