Indy zoo animals created a symphony of sounds during the eclipse — until totality hit

The animals at the Indianapolis Zoo will have to wait another 20 years for the next eclipse, but Monday’s spectacle caused a stir.

Minutes before totality, lines at the zoo’s attractions and vendors cleared as visitors found an open spot on the ground to lay back and watch the eclipse. As the visitors settled in, some of the zoo’s animals wound up.

Animals call before eclipse

Animals called as the eclipse began, the gibbons started singing and hooting, and the sea lions began vocalizing. During totality, however, the animals settled down into the darkness.

People are also reading: The April 8 solar eclipse is over. Recycle, donate, or keep your viewing glasses.

During darkness, all went still

Zookeepers and staff watched flamingoes huddled together and chimpanzees stopped traveling along the newly built paths.

Visitors said the elephants, playful just before totality, stood in utter stillness during the entirety of the darkness.

Macaws, budgies and the zoo’s other birds quieted down and began roosting in high places, just as they do at night, Emily Garrett of the Indy Zoo confirmed in an email.

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Cheetahs also showed signs of nighttime behavior by pacing at the highest point in their grassy yard.

Warthogs, like the flamingoes, huddled together. They grouped up near their back gate, which they usually do in the evening.

Researchers look to gather eclipse data

Not much research has been done about animal behavior during an eclipse, since the events are often short and rare.

The Indy Zoo is encouraging people to report any animal observations people may have made. This doesn’t mean they’re only looking for zoo animals, researchers are also interested in backyard birds, wildlife and even pets.

The Eclipse Soundscapes Project, a citizen science effort led by NASA, is studying how eclipses affect life on Earth. The project will compare recent findings with a study from almost 100 years ago.

Visit eclipsesoundscapes.org to learn how to participate.