As people across the United States prepare for the historic solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Indianapolis Zoo is posing the question: How will the animals react?
To discover the answer, the Zoo is encouraging everyone to observe the species around them during the eclipse and record their findings.
For the first time in a century, the total solar eclipse will be viewable across ...more ↓
As people across the United States prepare for the historic solar eclipse on Aug. 21, the Indianapolis Zoo is posing the question: How will the animals react?
To discover the answer, the Zoo is encouraging everyone to observe the species around them during the eclipse and record their findings.
For the first time in a century, the total solar eclipse will be viewable across the United States, which helped spark the nickname the Great American Eclipse. In Indianapolis, the eclipse will be observable from 12:57pm to 3:48pm and will peak (93 percent totality) at 2:25pm.
Because these stunning celestial events are so rare, there is uncertainty about how animals will react. However, that creates a unique opportunity for people to become citizen scientists and make careful observations about the natural world.
At the Zoo, guests may notice some subtle changes in animal behaviors during the eclipse. Although the animal care staff is unsure what to expect, examples may include:
• Orangutans or lemurs looking up at the darkening sky
• Budgies and lorikeets going silent as they would at night
Other animals may have no noticeable reaction, which is also noteworthy in light of the exceptional occurrence.
People can also observe wildlife in their own backyard, looking for changes in the behavior of:
• Birds
• Insects
• Bats
• Pets
The Zoo reminds everyone that looking directly at the sun will damage eyesight and to only view the eclipse through protective solar eclipse glasses.
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Indianapolis Zoo Eclipse Experience: Animal Observat...
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created this project on August 16, 2017
