Quiet and strange animal behaviour observed during solar eclipse in US

On April 8, North America was immersed in solar eclipse crazeas millions witnessed the stunning celestial event. Amid the excitement, scientists observed intriguing behaviour among various animals, ranging from giraffes to flamingos, as reported by CBS News.

Total eclipses being rare phenomena, there exists limited knowledge about their impact on animals. Researchers seized the opportunity to study animal behaviour during the eclipse, particularly in zoos along the path of totality, such as the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas.

Many animals exhibited behaviours reminiscent of nighttime activities. Giraffes, gorillas, elephants, kudu, coatis, bonobos, and Aldabra tortoises sought refuge in their barns during the eclipse, displaying characteristics akin to those seen at night.

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Unexpected daytime activity

Conversely, nocturnal animals showedunusual daytime behaviour. At the Texas zoo, a ringtail cat and two owl species displayed heightened activity during daylight hours.

At the Dallas Zoo, giraffes and zebras were observed running about during the eclipse, while gorillas and chimpanzees demonstrated a shift in behaviour, with some heading towards their nighttime enclosures.

During the eclipse, an ostrich at the Dallas Zoo laid an egg, while other birds became quieter. Penguins and flamingos huddled together, showing unusual social behaviour.

In 2017, similar animal behaviour was noted during a solar eclipse. A 2020 study at a zoo in South Carolina reported changes in behaviour among 17 species, with nearly 75 per cent exhibiting some form of response to the eclipse. While some animals displayed signs of fear, others manifested behaviours typically seen during twilight or nighttime.

(With inputs from agencies)