Duo's Death Rumors: Is The Beloved Bird Really Dead?
One of the biggest tragedies of social media

In a surprising and whimsical turn of events, Duolingo has announced the death of its beloved owl mascot, Duo. Known for his persistent reminders to keep up with language lessons, Duo's departure has left the internet abuzz with speculation and humor.
On February 11, 2025, Duolingo shared the news on social media, stating, "It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead." The company humorously suggested that Duo "probably died waiting for you to do your lesson," and requested that users refrain from sharing negative comments about him. In a lighthearted twist, they encouraged donations in the form of credit card information for Duolingo Max subscriptions.
The announcement featured a video depicting fellow Duolingo characters carrying a coffin with Duo, sparking a mix of humorous and sympathetic reactions across social media platforms. Brands like Netflix and Squishmallows expressed their condolences, while fans speculated about the circumstances surrounding Duo's "death."
Adding to the intrigue, pop star Dua Lipa, who had been part of a playful narrative involving Duo's unrequited love for her, responded with a heartfelt message: "Til' death duo part." Duolingo acknowledged her reaction, noting that it was not part of a paid partnership but rather a continuation of their brand's storyline.
Rumors have emerged linking Duo's demise to recent events surrounding a potential TikTok ban. In the lead-up to the ban, several creators, including Duolingo, revealed behind-the-scenes secrets, assuming the app would soon be inaccessible. Duolingo disclosed the identity of the individual inside the Duo costume, leading to speculation that this revelation contributed to the mascot's "death."
Further fueling the mystery, Duolingo hinted at a possible connection to Tesla's Cybertruck. The company released a video suggesting that Duo was struck by a Cybertruck, and offered a reward for information about the driver. This playful narrative has led to widespread discussions and theories among users.
Despite the current theatrics, Duo has been an integral part of Duolingo's identity since its inception. The language-learning platform, launched in 2011, has grown to over 300 million users worldwide, with Duo serving as the motivational face of the app. Known for his persistent reminders, Duo has become a cultural icon, often depicted humorously in memes and social media for his relentless encouragement.
As the investigation into Duo's "death" continues, Duolingo has promised to keep users updated with more details. In the meantime, they encourage everyone to honor Duo's memory by completing their language lessons, ensuring that his legacy of education and persistence lives on.
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Comments (3)
I love DuoLingo - I wonder if they are just teasing us or about to revamp the whole app with new characters and graphics?
Hahahahahahahahahahahha, this is soooo funnyyyyyy! I cannotttttt 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Lol! I had no idea!! This is too funny... the Duolingo Owl was such a cultural moment. RIP Duo! Thank you for writing and sharing this piece!