When a Total Solar Eclipse Darkened an Empty Zoo, Macaques Climbed and Zebras Ran
Learn how macaques, zebras, and other zoo animals responded when a total solar eclipse turned afternoon into twilight.
When the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 passes through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal, some zoo animals at Zoo de Granby in Quebec, Canada experienced changes in their behavior during the brief period of darkness. Japanese macaques climbed into trees and became still, while zebras ran and showed signs of stress.
Other animals, such as Bactrian camels, snow leopards, Himalayan monals, ostriches, red-crowned cranes, red pandas, and Asian black bears, showed no significant reaction or only minor changes in their behavior. The study led by conservation researcher Louis Lazure hints that the extent of an animal's response depends on the species.
The researchers recorded the animals' activities and noted that the macaques became "contemplative" while sitting with their backs to the Sun, but they did not look up. The findings suggest that different animals may respond in various ways when daylight suddenly fades during a total solar eclipse.
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