7 months after 31-year treasure hunt for golden owl ended, sequel is delayed amid acrimony
The launch of a new mass treasure hunt for a golden owl, an iconic game that previously ended after more than three decades of searching, has been delayed but not cancelled, its French organiser says.
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Launched in France in 1993, the last edition ended in October 2024 when the elusive golden owl was finally found after decades of searching by thousands of sleuths from around the world.
'The hunt has not been cancelled at all,' Michel Becker said this week, denying claims that had been circulating about 'Golden Owl 2', which was scheduled to begin in early May.
'Launching a game like this, in such a negative context, is not something that we can do. We want to work in a calmer climate, so we're giving ourselves some time to see what happens,' said Becker, the game's co-inventor.
Hidden in 1993, the golden owl replica was discovered on October 3, 2024, making it the second longest treasure hunt ever organised. Photo: AFP
The previous golden owl was found in Dabo in eastern France, according to Becker.
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