Central Park Sea Lion Flees As NYC Floods: Officials

CENTRAL PARK — A sea lion at the Central Park Zoo made a big splash Friday as the Big Apple's big rain flooded her pool and prompted a quick escape, officials said.

The sea lion briefly explored the free world before returning to the home she shares with two other sea lions, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoos and Aquarium, which oversees the site.

“We had closed our four zoos and aquarium this morning so staff could focus on the animals and our facilities during the storm,” executive vice president Jim Breheny said.

“The water levels have receded, and the animals are contained in their exhibit.”

Related: NYC Flood Watch: Adams AWOL As Deluge Hits City

The moment when the daring sea lion climbed atop a rock was captured on TikTok video by an intrepid New Yorker, and quickly went viral.

The loose sea lion remained inside the zoo during the course of her escapade, according to officials.

No staff or visitors were in danger during the sea lion escape, Breheny said. Zoo staff will continue to monitor the situation through the duration of the flooding.

The NYPD's Central Park precinct clarified via X that several viral videos about escaped zoo animals are misleading and inaccurate. As of 4:20 p.m., all sea lions and animals are accounted for and safe.

The zoo remains closed due to the heavy rain and flooding, police added.

Over four inches have already slammed New York City as of Friday afternoon; another eight inches are expected by Saturday morning, officials said.

This isn't the Central Park's first Great Zoo Escape. Avid birders will remember when Flaco the Owl eluded the cops and flew to freedom.