Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse

Area of Science:

• Ethology and Animal Behavior
• Zoology
• Astronomy and Astrophysics

Background:

• Total solar eclipses are rare astronomical events that can impact animal behavior.
• Historical data on animal responses to eclipses is limited and often contradictory.
• Understanding these responses provides insight into animal perception of environmental changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively document vertebrate animal responses to the 2017 total solar eclipse.
• To identify behavioral changes across different taxa during the eclipse.
• To provide baseline data for future research on animal reactions to celestial events.

Main Methods:

• Observations of 17 vertebrate taxa at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden before, during, and after the 2017 total solar eclipse.
• Utilized continuous ad libitum and scan sampling by research teams.
• Employed live video/audio capture for siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) to analyze vocalizations.

Main Results:

• Thirteen of seventeen observed taxa displayed behaviors different from baseline observations.
• The majority of affected animals (8 taxa) engaged in evening or nighttime routines.
• Apparent anxiety was observed in baboons, gorillas, giraffes, flamingos, and lorikeets; novel sedentary behaviors were seen in reptiles.

Conclusions:

• The 2017 total solar eclipse elicited significant behavioral changes in a diverse range of vertebrate taxa.
• Observed behaviors included shifts to nocturnal routines and signs of anxiety, suggesting sensitivity to the unusual atmospheric conditions.
• These findings contribute valuable qualitative data to the scarce literature on animal responses to total solar eclipses.