A New York City sea lion defied Mayor Eric Adams's shelter-in-place guideline during heavy rain
Torrential rains and city flooding caused a sea lion to swim out of Central Park Zoo's pool
The Wildlife Conservation Society reported that the sea lion remained within the zoo's perimeter
Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo, mentioned that zoo staff monitored the sea lion's exploration before it returned to its pool and companions
There was no danger to staff or visitors throughout the incident, as the Bronx Zoo had closed its facilities in advance
Animal care staff continued to monitor the situation during the severe weather event
The New York Police Department's Central Park precinct debunked misleading videos of more animals escaping the zoo during the floods
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to overwhelming weather conditions in New York City
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of New Jersey
Mayor Adams urged people to exercise extreme caution and stay indoors during the storm