Sensational Escape: Flooding in New York Leads to Daring Sea Lion Breakout at Central Park Zoo

A female sea lion briefly escaped from her enclosure in New Yorks Central Park Zoo Friday when heavy rain caused her pool to flood.

A police officer from the NYPD Highway Patrol observes motorists driving through a flooded street following heavy rainfall caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia. The flooding is occurring across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, specifically at the FDR Drive in Manhattan near the Williamsburg Bridge, in New York City, U.S., on September 29, 2023. Credit: Andrew Kelly/Reuters.

The sea lion escaped from the flooded pool and freely explored the surrounding area before eventually returning to her enclosure, where she resides with two other sea lions, as stated in a news release by Jim Breheny, the Wildlife Conservation Society's Zoos and Aquarium's Executive Vice President.

The zoo staff closely observed the unexpected adventure of the marine mammals, while anticipating their return.

According to the news release, the water levels in the sea lions' pool have decreased, and all the animals are now safely housed in their assigned exhibits.

"No staff or visitors were in jeopardy, and the sea lion remained within the zoo premises without trespassing the zoos secondary perimeter," stated Breheny.

Central Park Zoo is a component of the largest urban wildlife parks network in the world, encompassing the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium.

The Wildlife Conservation Society closed all five facilities on Friday morning in response to severe weather. The unprecedented rainfall led to a state of emergency in New York and resulted in flooding in basements, schools, and subways. "This morning, we made the decision to temporarily close our four zoos and aquarium, allowing our staff to prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals and our facilities amidst the storm," stated Breheny.

"During the weather event, the animal care staff will consistently monitor the situation," he stated.

According to NOAA, California sea lions, like the ones residing in the Central Park Zoo, are indigenous to the West Coast. The species is safeguarded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA mentioned that adult female sea lions can weigh up to 240 pounds and measure up to 6 feet in length.