Zoo Animals' Unusual Behavior During Total Solar Eclipse Sparks Fascination Among Scientists

On August 21, 2017, an unprecedented event took place as scientists and zookeepers witnessed the impact of a total solar eclipse on various animals. The rare occurrence provided an opportunity to observe the behavior of diverse species during this celestial phenomenon.

Researchers at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas closely monitored giraffes, gorillas, lions, macaws, and flamingos during the eclipse. While the animals generally remained composed, some displayed heightened vigilance and curiosity. Notably, no signs of increased anxiety or nervous behavior were observed. As the skies darkened, several animals instinctively made their way toward their barn doors, resembling their nighttime routine.

Daytime Behavior of Nocturnal Animals

Surprisingly, nocturnal animals exhibited unique daytime behavior during the eclipse. At the Fort Worth Zoo, a ringtail cat and two owl species showed increased activity, deviating from their typical nocturnal pattern. Similarly, giraffes and zebras at the Dallas Zoo were seen running around, while chimpanzees patrolled the outer edge of their habitat. An ostrich at the Dallas Zoo even laid an egg during the eclipse, demonstrating a remarkable response to the celestial event.

Avian species also displayed distinct behavior during the solar eclipse. Birds at the Indianapolis Zoo, including macaws and budgies, became notably quiet and roosted up high, resembling nighttime behavior. Flamingos huddled together, and other birds went silent during this extraordinary event.

Partial Eclipse Observations

At the Philadelphia Zoo, visitors had the opportunity to observe animal behavior during the partial eclipse. Despite the phenomenon, most of the zoo's animals appeared unaffected by the partial eclipse, as visitors witnessed their usual demeanor.

It is noteworthy that similar studies were conducted during the 2017 solar eclipse, with researchers reviewing the behavior of 17 species at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. The findings indicated that approximately 75% of the species displayed some form of change in response to the eclipse, often exhibiting behaviors associated with nighttime and occasional signs of anxiety.

Given the infrequency of total eclipses, the next opportunity for such research in the contiguous U.S. will not occur until 2044. This upcoming event presents a rare chance for zookeepers and researchers to further understand the impact of total solar eclipses on animal behavior.