Rest in peace: Duolingo announces sudden death of mascot, Duo
Duo, the green owl mascot of popular language learning tool Duolingo, has died.
Duolingo shared the news of Duo’s unexpected death in a post on X on Wednesday afternoon, noting that an investigation was underway into the bird’s demise.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead,” the post reads.
“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we cooperating fully.”
The owl has formed a key part of the app’s branding, appearing both wholesome and occasionally menacing if users neglected their language lessons.
Duolingo was formed in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker in the US city of Pittsburgh. The app now claims 8 million subscribers and more than 100 million active users monthly.
The company has increasingly developed the quirky nature of Duo, and it is unclear whether his “death” is just a stunt or a genuine retirement of a distinctive asset.
an important message from Duolingo pic.twitter.com/jTTT680yVs
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
“Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know,” the statement said.
It continued with: “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.
Singer Dua Lipa reacted to the green’s owl demise in a tweet Duolingo reposted.
“Til’ death duo part” the Grammy Award-winning pop songstress wrote, with a broken heart emoji.
Til’ death duo part 💔 https://t.co/XqVUTK5E0V
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 12, 2025
Other companies and brands have also expressed their sadness at Duo’s untimely demise.
The World Health Organization (WHO) took to X, writing “#RIPDuo. May your case of death be identified ASAP.”
#RIPDuo.
May your cause of death be identified ASAP.One thing we know for sure:
It’s not smallpox, because the disease has been eradicated since 1980. https://t.co/IRAAQWId23 pic.twitter.com/0MmfhCmbAi— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 12, 2025
American cereal brand, Cap’n Crunch, replied to Duolingo’s announcement with, “raising a bowl this morning to a fellow mascot #ripduo”.
raising a bowl this morning to a fellow mascot #ripduo pic.twitter.com/eMn0WCVSu0
— Cap’n Crunch (@RealCapnCrunch) February 12, 2025
Even the Victorian Police got involved, posting about the internet’s latest firestorm on its Instagram page.
View this post on Instagram
Duolingo also gave Duo’s fans – and enemies – a peek into the owl’s funeral via a video posted to Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
In a statement shared with Mumbrella, a Duolingo 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.’
“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.”
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Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He joined the company at the end of September 2023.
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Dua Lipa
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Luis von Ahn
Severin Hacker
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