“Oh my, the birds—listen to the birds!” It was 30 seconds into the darkest totality I had ever experienced when the parakeets began to scream. The totally eclipsed sun was hanging above the foothills of the Chilean Andes, transfixing a group of 30 eclipse-chasers around me on a tennis court in the grounds of a small hotel.
The silhouettes of the deranged birds were everywhere. They were in panic mode, and the anxiety spread to all of us. Would the sun ever come back? If it didn’t, what would happen? A police siren went off. Every living thing was on edge.
Unforgettable Experience
Less than two minutes later, everything had returned to normal. The sun came out and the temperature quickly rose. But my experience in the Elqui Valley has stayed with me ever since. Going through the primordial feeling of facing down a totally eclipsed sun while surrounded by momentarily distressed humans and animals can be an unnerving and unforgettable experience that stays with your forever.
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will bring over four minutes of totality—and a profound darkness in the day—to millions of people across North America. As many as 40 million could experience totality in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada that day—and there are plenty of ways to share it with the natural world.
Of course, what animals you share an eclipse with does make a difference. The sudden drop in daylight leads some animals to become bewildered while others go into nighttime mode. It can begin a good 30 minutes before totality, too.
Strange Behavior
During my career as an eclipse-chaser, I’ve seen cows wandering back home with the sun’s light dimming when about 65% eclipsed, only to return to where they started just after totality ceased, looking slightly embarrassed. I’ve heard crickets gradually reach a crescendo just before totality before silencing during it. Another time, I watched an eclipse while standing beside a horse. He barely noticed, but then it was a particularly cloudy, dark day.
Here are seven zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and farms where you can go witness the total solar eclipse while surrounded by animals—and try to spot odd behavior:
1. Eclipse At Cameron Park Zoo
Where: Cameron Park Zoo, Waco, Texas
Time and duration of totality: 13:38 CDT, 4 minutes 14 seconds
Keeper chats and educational presentations will take place throughout the day at Cameron Park Zoo, where eclipse viewing glasses will be available for purchase on-site. More information.
2. Total PigEclipse Party
Where: Wills Point, Texas
Time and duration of totality: 13:41 CDT, 4 minutes and 18 seconds
Close to the centerline for a long totality, My Pig Filled Life Mini Pig Rescue in Texas is staging a two-day event where you can camp out under the stars and share the eclipse with a few hundred mini pigs. More information.
3. Total Eclipse Of The Farm
Where: Jenkins Forever Farm, Shelbyville, Edinburgh, Indiana
Time and duration of totality: 15:06 EDT, 3 minutes 57 seconds
A non-profit animal sanctuary that provides rescue, care, love and a forever home to cows, alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, ferrets, iguanas and barn cats, Jenkins Forever Farm is planning an event. From $15 entry/$250 to stay overnight on April 8. More information and tickets.
4. Eclipse with the Elephants
Where: Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo, Oklahoma
Time and duration of totality: 13:44 CDT, 3 minutes 23 seconds
A private non-profit in southeast Oklahoma dedicated to ensuring the future of Asian elephants in North America, eclipse day will include activities and vendors. RV parking is available for a small additional charge. $25. More information and tickets.
5. Eclipse Day At The Zoo
Where: Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, Arkansas
Time and duration of totality: 13:51 CDT, 2 minutes 40 seconds
Watch the eclipse with the resident animals of Little Rock Zoo to see how they react to this miracle of Mother Nature. Eclipse experts will be on hand. $30 admission includes eclipse glasses. More information.
6. Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery
Where: Sheridan, Indiana
Time and duration of totality: 15:06 EDT, 2 minutes 54 seconds
See how yaks, Southdown sheep, Kunekune pigs and other ranch animals react to darkness in the day. $25 admission includes eclipse glasses. More information
7. Total Eclipse Of The Zoo
Where: Akron Zoo, Akron, Ohio
Time and duration of totality: 15:14 EDT, 2 minutes 50 seconds
Sun and moon activities, as well as crafts, are promised for zoo visitors on April 8, with the first 1,000 getting eclipse glasses. $9-$19. More information.
8. Total Eclipse At The Zoo
Where: Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio
Time and duration of totality: 15:12 EDT, 1 minute and 57 seconds
At Toledo Zoo it will be possible to work with staff to take part in animal observations and research to see how animal behaviors may change during the partial and total eclipse. Also expect animal demos, a bounce house, musical entertainment and other activities. $12-15.50. More information.
9. Solar Eclipse Solar-Bration
Where: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Columbus, Ohio
Time and duration of totality: 3:11 EDT, 2 minutes and 1 second
Northwest of Columbus—a city just outside the path—is this zoo, whihc will hold av event from noon to 4 p.m. with of solar eclispe glasses, character greetings and hands-on activities. $19.99-$24.99. More information.
For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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