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WHAT A HOOT! Duolingo Leaves Fans Confused After 'Death' of Owl Mascot and New App Icon, Requests ‘Privacy’ During ‘Investigation’

Duolingo has left fans scratching their heads after announcing the shocking "death" of its beloved owl mascot, Duo. The popular language-learning app has asked for “privacy” during an “investigation” into the sudden and mysterious demise of the green owl.

The bizarre announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, caught many off guard. 

The post continued, adding a playful twist, "Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know? We’re aware he had many enemies, but please refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments. If you feel compelled, feel free to leave your credit card number so we can sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory."

Duolingo’s post also made a reference to pop sensation Dua Lipa, with a quirky note: "We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time."

Duo, the company’s iconic green owl, has been a constant companion since Duolingo’s 2012 launch. He’s known for his somewhat intimidating presence, encouraging users to complete their lessons, sometimes with sad eyes if they fall behind. As Duolingo’s VP of design, Ryan Sims, put it, “People meme-ified Duo as this creature that will hunt you down if you don’t do your Spanish lesson for the day.”

The announcement quickly went viral, with many users expressing their disbelief and humor. A TikTok video surfaced, featuring a person sobbing in the background with a mournful tune playing, singing, “In the arms of the angels.” Fans joined in the joke with comments like, "Rest in peace, bro," and "Grief is a heavy emotion, let us know if you need anything." Duolingo responded humorously, saying, “Please leave us alone during this time of mourning.”

Fans also started speculating about the cause of Duo’s demise, with one user joking, “I fear I know who did it, but I won’t say his name out loud,” seemingly hinting at Drake. Duolingo cheekily responded, “Authorities are looking into a Canadian for the case,” likely referring to the rapper.

The light-hearted tone continued with fans commenting, "Respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time," and Duolingo’s playful reply: “The minions ask for nothing less.”

Dua Lipa and Duolingo's Bond
Duolingo has long had a fun connection with pop star Dua Lipa, often making jokes about the owl’s devotion to her. Just last July, Duolingo shared a post celebrating her music, calling her "the unrequited love interest of our very own Duo the owl." The app even posted a list of "Dua Lipa songs which will teach you how to talk like a boss," highlighting lyrics from some of her biggest hits.

The connection between Duo and Dua has sparked plenty of memes, including one showing the owl feeling sad and lonely without her presence.

The Cheeky Super Bowl Ad
Duolingo also knows how to make a splash in pop culture. During the 2024 Super Bowl, the app turned Duo’s backside into a viral sensation with a cheeky commercial. It was clear that Duo’s butt was the easiest way to grab attention quickly.”

The 'Miserable' Owl
Duolingo’s owl hasn’t always been all sunshine and rainbows, though. Last April, the app caused a stir when Duo was depicted looking "miserable" and "haggard" in a meme, with the caption, “When you put off your lesson for 5 minutes.”

Duolingo has grown to become one of the most popular language-learning apps worldwide, with over 300 million users. It offers a range of educational resources for both kids and adults, including Duolingo ABC for children and more advanced learning tools for teens and adults.

Despite the confusion surrounding Duo’s "death," one thing is clear: Duolingo continues to capture the imagination of its users with humor, creativity, and a bit of mystery.