After 31 years, the world's longest treasure hunt has finally concluded. A bronze replica of a golden owl, buried in France in 1993, has been unearthed.
Statue Worth $168,000
The discovery brings an end to the decades-long search, with the original golden statue worth $168,000 awarded to the treasure hunter who located the hidden artifact.
The confirmation of the find was announced on Thursday by Michel Becker, the illustrator of the original Chouette d'Or book, which launched the treasure hunt.
Tens of thousands of participants worldwide were involved in the hunt, solving 11 intricate puzzles that hinted at the owl's location, according to Digi24.
These clues were laid out in the 1993 book by creator Max Valentin, with Becker taking over the project following Valentin's death in 2009. The buried bronze owl was meant to lead the winner to the grand prize—a statue of the golden owl.
Relief and Disbelief Among Hunters
The hunt captivated a generation of treasure seekers, with many forming online communities over the years. When news of the discovery broke, participants expressed both relief and disbelief.
One hunter posted, "I never thought I would live to see this day!" while others debated the legitimacy of the discovery, with concerns about the possible use of metal detectors.
According to the rules, the treasure finder must demonstrate that they correctly solved the puzzles rather than stumbling upon the statue by accident.
The hunt was mired in legal battles after Valentin’s passing, but in recent years, Becker provided additional clues to reignite interest in the game.
Although the location of the treasure and the identity of the finder remain undisclosed, this marks the end of a legendary treasure hunt.
