Animal Behavior During Solar Eclipses: New Insights
In a recent study conducted at the Fort Worth Zoo during the total solar eclipse on April 8th, researchers observed a significant decrease in animal stress levels compared to those observed during a similar eclipse seven years prior. This finding suggests that human excitement and noise associated with eclipses can have a significant impact on animal welfare.
During the eclipse, researchers monitored nearly three dozen different species, including bonobos, owls, coyotes, and crocodiles. They found that at the moment of totality, when the sky grew dark, animals began their regular evening routines as if nightfall had officially arrived. For nocturnal animals, this meant heightened activity, while diurnal animals napped, headed indoors, or anticipated dinner.
However, in contrast to the observations made during the 2017 eclipse, the animals observed in this study never became stressed or erratic beyond a low level. Researchers hypothesize that this difference is due to the reduced number of screaming people and chaotic behavior that was present during the 2017 eclipse. This indicates that animals may be more perceptive of human emotionality than previously thought.
The findings of this study suggest that zoos may not need to restrict or eliminate visitors during future eclipses. Instead, they can implement measures to reduce human-related stress, such as limiting crowd size or providing quieter viewing areas. Future research will focus on translating research tools into other languages to determine if similar animal behaviors are observed on other continents and surveying animals in their wild environments during total solar eclipses.
This research highlights the importance of considering the potential impact of human behavior on animal welfare during astronomical events. By understanding how animals respond to these events, we can take steps to minimize their stress and ensure their well-being.
