Sea Lion Escapes Central Park Zoo during Storm, Returns Safely
New York City experienced heavy downpours and flash flooding on Friday, prompting residents to seek shelter indoors. However, one resident of the Central Park Zoo saw the rising waters as an opportunity for exploration. A female sea lion managed to swim out of the zoo’s sea lion pool and ventured into the surrounding area.
Zoo staff closely monitored the sea lion as she explored her temporary freedom before returning to the familiar surroundings of the pool and reuniting with the other two sea lions. Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo and executive vice president of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoos and Aquarium, assured the public that the water levels have receded, and all the animals are contained in their exhibit.
Due to the inclement weather, all four zoos and the aquarium operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society were closed on Friday. This decision allowed the staff to focus on the well-being of the animals and the facilities.
California sea lions can be found in all five of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s facilities in New York City. These playful and intelligent creatures, native to the West Coast, have a lifespan of up to 30 years. Adult female sea lions typically weigh around 240 pounds and measure about 6 feet long, while males are larger at 7.5 feet long and can weigh up to 700 pounds.
Concerns for the escaped sea lion and the safety of the other zoo animals were quickly addressed by the NYPD’s Central Park precinct. They tweeted that all of the animals at the Central Park Zoo were safe and accounted for during the storm, dispelling rumors and misleading videos that were circulating online.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a zoo animal in New York City has made a daring escape. In 2011, a 20-inch Egyptian cobra escaped from the Bronx Zoo, leading to a weeklong search that captivated the city. The escaped cobra, later named Mia, even had her own Twitter account, which remained active more than a decade later. Fortunately, she was found within the Reptile House of the zoo.
On Friday, as the storm prompted a state of emergency declaration, New York City residents were urged to stay home. Governor Kathy Hochul appealed for residents to prioritize their safety and remain indoors amid the “historic” flooding. The state of emergency extended to Long Island and the Hudson Valley as well.
Despite the unexpected adventure of the sea lion, the swift response from zoo staff ensured the safety of the animal and provided a reminder of the dedicated efforts to protect and care for the wildlife in the city’s zoos.