This footage was filmed and produced 8 April 2024.

San Antonio Zoo unveils captivating footage documenting the peculiar behavior of its animal residents during Monday's solar eclipse on April 8. The released video provides a rare glimpse into how various species reacted to the celestial phenomenon, offering insights into their natural instincts and social dynamics.

In one striking scene, meerkats are observed darting erratically throughout their habitat during totality, showcasing their highly social nature. Known for their cooperative behavior in the wild, meerkats typically band together in groups called mobs, aiding in defense, foraging, and predator protection. The sudden flurry of activity during the eclipse highlights their instinctual response to environmental changes.

Another enchanting moment captured on camera features whooping cranes engaging in a spirited dance following totality. Renowned for their intricate courtship rituals, whooping cranes use dance as a form of communication to strengthen bonds and signal readiness for mating.

Additionally, the video reveals flamingos congregating closely during totality, demonstrating their instinctive tendency to seek safety in numbers. Flamingos form tight-knit social groups, known as colonies or flocks, which provide protection against predators by making it harder for threats to single out individual birds.

Finally, meerkats are observed retreating to their indoor habitat space shortly before totality, aligning with the zoo's hypothesis that diurnal animals would exhibit typical evening activity patterns during the eclipse.