One of the internet’s favorite green menace and Duolingo’s mascot, Duo the Owl, is dead. The company says Duo probably died “waiting for you to do your lesson,” but what do they know?
In a social media post on Tuesday evening (Manila time), Duolingo announced the passing of the green menace.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead,” its statement began.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of Duo’s “sudden death,” but the company assured users that they are “cooperating fully.” However, this did not stop them from implying that the mascot probably died waiting for users to do their lessons.
“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,” the statement continued, jokingly.
“We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time,” it ended, implying to his idol and pop star Dua Lipa, who shares similar names with the mascot.
According to media reports, a spokesperson from the company confirmed that Duo did in fact, die. However, this is part of a brand marketing campaign. A company spokesperson also noted that the credit card bit was a joke and told users not to disclose their credit card information.
So how did the internet react to the iconic mascot’s loss? Knowing the internet, several users and brands all weighed in to offer their condolences, in the most unhinged way possible.
Remembering Duo (in the best possible way)
One user replied, “Bro spent his last days begging me to learn French…and I ignored him. I will never recover from this.” Duolingo replied, “Some lessons are learned the hard way.”
Another wrote, “RIP...Rest in practice. May your soul have a peaceful streak!”
Meanwhile, another user made an all-in-one post, which was meant to mourn the loss of Duo and wish themselves a happy birthday.
Crunchyroll considers the Owl’s passing as one of the “Top 10 Saddest Anime Deaths,” adding that they will miss Duo.
Top 10 Saddest Anime Deaths 😔💔 We will miss you, Duo pic.twitter.com/PRYepVCbGM
— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) February 11, 2025
Netflix also put their spin on the announcement, stating that Duo has been eliminated from Squid Game.
duo the owl has been eliminated pic.twitter.com/Qly2NAYbWH
— Netflix (@netflix) February 11, 2025
Assassin’s Creed simply wrote, "requiescat in pace (may he begin to rest in peace)."
Requiescat in pace, @duolingo ... https://t.co/8nJvnojqhY pic.twitter.com/gC86ab1ZnD
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) February 11, 2025
The world’s cutest bean, Ketnipz, mourned the loss of Duo with a photo of the former holding the Owl in its arms.
rip duo 😖 https://t.co/if0LovD06k pic.twitter.com/l8PkG21KqB
— ketnipz (@Ketnipz) February 11, 2025
Distancing itself from the other tributes online, Chipotle posted a simple message.
“I’ll always remember you this way Duolingo,” it said in its caption, adding that users should get Chipotle in remembrance of Duo.
i’ll always remember u this way @duolingo https://t.co/IwGeO4niK2 pic.twitter.com/Yu19Q4AOOE
— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) February 11, 2025
In a separate post, Duolingo asked that users do a lesson, in lieu of flowers. They later replied to the same post, “We’re currently investigating Jimmy.”
Despite this, the internet found a way to involve Drake, jokingly saying that the latter was responsible. Before the company’s announcement, their last post said, “SAY DRAKE.”
Although Duolingo stated that Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo (commonly known as Duo the Owl), was born in 1000 BC, Apple Developer said the mascot debuted in 2011 with a 2-D model. It wasn’t until 2014 that the owl had gamified elements, which led to a refreshing design.
It is unclear whether Duo will be resurrected in some other form, as the company has yet to disclose further details. For now, all we can do is wait for Duo's final autopsy.
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