How Do Animals React to a Solar Eclipse? Here's Top 6 Zoos That Will Be on the Path of Totality on April 8

During a total solar eclipse, as the Moon covers half of the Sun, light levels sharply decrease, mimicking a sudden day-to-night transition. This phenomenon affects both humans and wildlife, with animals exhibiting varied reactions, adjusting to the abrupt changes in light.

People use protective glasses on their dog during a partial solar eclipse at the Pier Head in Liverpool, north-west England, on March 20, 2015.
(Photo : PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Animal Reactions to Total Solar Eclipses

During a total solar eclipse, the sudden decline in light levels becomes noticeable. When the Moon entirely blocks the sunlight during the totality phase, the light levels sharply drop, creating a sudden nighttime-like atmosphere during the day. This eerie phenomenon could lead to a range of reactions from animals.

Some of them, like crickets, cows, and swarms of honeybees, respond to the darkness by exhibiting behaviors associated with nighttime activities. Diurnal animals, which are active during the day, may prepare for bedtime, while nocturnal animals become active during the eclipse.

The reactions of animals during a total solar eclipse are diverse and often depend on the species and their level of intelligence. More intelligent animals, such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and llamas, may show signs of understanding the celestial event, with some stopping to gaze at the sky.

Notably, Dr. Douglas Duncan, director of the Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado, observed dolphins and whales displaying peculiar behavior during a total solar eclipse in the Galápagos Islands in 1998.

About five minutes before totality, the marine mammals surfaced, arching in and out of the water in complete silence. Llamas, known for their intelligence and observant nature, also appeared interested in the sky during a total solar eclipse in rural Bolivia in 1994.

Scientists have been studying animal behaviors during eclipses for centuries, with observations ranging from chimps showing signs of confusion during a 1984 annular solar eclipse to cows heading toward barns during totality. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, provides another opportunity to witness and study these intriguing animal reactions

US Zoos in the Path of Totality This April 8

Several zoos and wildlife sanctuaries organize events for observing these behaviors during the April 8 solar eclipse, emphasizing the need for attendees to remain quiet to avoid disturbing the animals.

Here are the zoos that fall within the 115-mile-wide (185 kilometers) path of totality, the sole region where daylight will turn to darkness on April 8. These zoos have arranged special events for the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas- Totality will last 4 minutes, 14 seconds at 1:38 p.m. CDT, featuring keeper chats, educational presentations, and eclipse-viewing glasses for purchase.
Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas- Book Eclipse Day at the Zoo in advance for zoo admission, eclipse glasses, expert talks, and 2 minutes, 40 seconds of totality starting at 1:51 p.m. CDT.
Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis- This zoo offers a special eclipse event on April 8 with 3 minutes, and 45 seconds of totality at 3:06 p.m. CDT, including participation in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project.
Akron Zoo in Akron, Ohio - Attendees at Akron Zoo's Total Eclipse of the Zoo event can receive free solar eclipse glasses and participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project. Totality is expected to last 2 minutes, and 50 seconds starting at 3:14 p.m. EDT.
Toledo Zoo in Toledo, Ohio - Staff at the zoo will monitor animal behavior during the 2 minutes, and 50 seconds of totality starting at 3:14 p.m. EDT.
Zoo New York in Watertown, New York - Thompson Park, surrounding Zoo New York, will host a confirmed eclipse viewing event during the 3 minutes, 39 seconds of totality starting at 3:22 p.m. EDT.