One year after the total Solar Eclipse
One year ago, Quebec witnessed an event as spectacular as it was rare: a total solar eclipse!
At the Zoo de Granby, we took this opportunity to conduct a scientific study on the impact of the eclipse on the behavior of our animal residents.
A large team to observe multiple species!
About a dozen species were observed a few days before, during, and a few days after the total solar eclipse to detect any changes in their behavior and how they used their habitat.
One year ago, biologist Julie Hébert, content specialist at the Granby Zoo, wrote a story detailing the study’s parameters, which you can still read to revisit the various aspects of the research.
Preliminary observations from Louis Lazure
The Japanese macaques had the most obvious reactions. They significantly reduced their activity and climbed higher during the total eclipse. Although their response was clear, it did not last once the light returned to normal for the rest of the afternoon.
The zebras became agitated during the eclipse and also returned to “normal” once the brightness came back. The tahrs, a species of mountain goat from Asia, walked more during the eclipse.
For the other species (birds, sarus cranes, camels, dromedaries, snow leopards, and Himalayan bears), the reactions were either mild or absent.
Overall, we report less behavioral impact than other scientific studies.
Our hypothesis is that the Zoo de Granby was closed to the public during the eclipse, whereas the other studies were conducted in zoos that remained open. The reaction of visitors (excitement, movement) may have caused a stronger response in the animals than just the change in light!
Listen to Mr. Pierre Chastenez in this interview!
The experts
Pierre Chastenay
Astronomer, science communicator, and professor in science education at UQAM
Louis Lazure
Scientific research coordinator at the Zoo de Granby
To share all the information patiently gathered and analyzed, a report was aired on the show Découverte on April 6, 2025 (starting at 17:33 minutes), and a scientific article is currently being written by Louis Lazure and Pierre Chastenay.
The 12 species in the study
