How did zoo animals react to Monday's total solar eclipse?
Newsy
In a preliminary study, the Columbus Zoo said it noticed different behavior among ostriches, reindeer and elephants.
Several major zoos were in the path of Monday's total solar eclipse, providing an opportunity for the public and experts to examine how animals behave during these rare astronomical events.
The Columbus Zoo in Ohio was among the zoos that experienced a total solar eclipse. The zoo partnered with researchers from the Ohio State University for an observational study on how the eclipse impacted animal behavior. The zoo said that data was collected before and during the eclipse and will continue to be gathered for a couple of weeks after "to understand the true impact the eclipse may have had on the animals."
The zoo said preliminary results mostly showed normal behavior, except among ostriches, reindeer and elephants. The zoo said researchers will continue reviewing behaviors to look for subtle differences in animal behaviors.
"Ostriches are generally very active during daylight hours, and at night, they rest and find a place to bed down. During the eclipse, the ostriches at the Columbus Zoo did move into their night quarters as if to nest down, and one ostrich did lay an egg during the event," a zoo spokesperson said.
The zoo noted odd behavior among elephants.
