Sea lion escapes from Central Park Zoo pool amid severe New York City flooding

2025-01-19 11:02:54 source: category:My

A sea lion escaped from its pool at the Central Park Zoo on Friday amid the severe flooding that's pounding New York City, officials said.

"Zoo staff monitored the sea lion as she explored the area before returning to the familiar surroundings of the pool and the company of 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, said in a statement.

The sea lion never beached the zoo's secondary perimeter, Breheny said.

The water has since receded and the animals are safe in their exhibit, he said.

MORE: New York City faces major flooding as heavy rain inundates region

The zoo is closed on Friday due to the severe weather.

Flash flood warnings were issued across all five New York City boroughs on Friday as heavy rain hit the region.

A sea lion poses for visitors at Central Park Zoo, July 24, 2020, in New York City.Cindy Ord/Getty Images, FILE PHOTO

Over 5.6 inches of rain was recorded in Central Park by Friday afternoon.

"If you are home, stay home," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference. "We could possibly see 8 inches of rain before the day is over."

The rain is expected to lighten up Friday night, but it won't stop until Saturday.

More:My

Recommend

Police cruiser strikes and kills a bicyclist pulling a trailer in Vermont

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A bicyclist pulling a trailer in Vermont died after he was struck by a

Cowboys, Eagles clinch NFL playoff spots in Week 15 thanks to help from others

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both received an early present for the holiday season ahe

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny Break Up After Less Than a Year of Dating

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are closing out 2023 with a breakup.Nearly nine months after the superm