Animals, animal lovers take in total eclipse at Indianapolis Zoo

Four-year-old Aria Crutchfield puts on her eclipse glasses with the help of her father, Steve Crutchfield, to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. She said there was a little bit off the sun, indicating the eclipse had started. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Four-year-old Aria Crutchfield puts on her eclipse glasses with the help of her father, Steve Crutchfield, to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. She said there was a little bit off the sun, indicating the eclipse had started. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Steve Crutchfield and his daughter, Aria, look through their eclipse telescope Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Steve Crutchfield and his daughter, Aria, look through their eclipse telescope Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Alex Robinson observes an orangutan Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. She and other IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Alex Robinson observes an orangutan Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. She and other IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

An orangutan looks out Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

An orangutan looks out Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

An orangutan looks out Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

An orangutan looks out Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. IU students observed primates at the zoo before, during and after the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Angie Snyder, left, and Mandy Madson came from Nashville and Savannah to see the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Madson saw the 2017 eclipse from the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina where NASA was set up. She was a citizen scientist there. She re-read the study from there to help find the perfect spot to watch for animal behavior at the Indianapolis Zoo. She chose between the seals, sea lions and the chimpanzees. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Angie Snyder, left, and Mandy Madson came from Nashville and Savannah to see the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Madson saw the 2017 eclipse from the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina where NASA was set up. She was a citizen scientist there. She re-read the study from there to help find the perfect spot to watch for animal behavior at the Indianapolis Zoo. She chose between the seals, sea lions and the chimpanzees. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Angie Snyder, left, and Mandy Madson came from Nashville and Savannah to see the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Madson saw the 2017 eclipse from the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina where NASA was set up. She was a citizen scientist there. She re-read the study from there to help find the perfect spot to watch for animal behavior at the Indianapolis Zoo. She chose between the seals, sea lions and the chimpanzees. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Angie Snyder, left, and Mandy Madson came from Nashville and Savannah to see the total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Madson saw the 2017 eclipse from the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina where NASA was set up. She was a citizen scientist there. She re-read the study from there to help find the perfect spot to watch for animal behavior at the Indianapolis Zoo. She chose between the seals, sea lions and the chimpanzees. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Angie Snyder, from Nashville, watches the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Angie Snyder, from Nashville, watches the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Stephen Plekan, from Green Bay, Wis., checks his phone Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Stephen Plekan, from Green Bay, Wis., checks his phone Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kathy Rettke, from left, Alyssa Rettke, Stephen Plekan and Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, Wis., checked out the animals Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse.

Kathy Rettke, from left, Alyssa Rettke, Stephen Plekan and Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, Wis., checked out the animals Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A gibbon vocalizes Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

A gibbon vocalizes Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Sawyer, Wren and Julia Ronashko enjoy the day Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Sawyer, Wren and Julia Ronashko enjoy the day Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Sawyer Ronashko joins his family Monday, April 8, 2024 as they visit the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Sawyer Ronashko joins his family Monday, April 8, 2024 as they visit the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A chimpanzee wanders through a chimp highway moving to various areas Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

A chimpanzee wanders through a chimp highway moving to various areas Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location peo[ple are going to for the eclipse. People can also be scientists, gathering info for study as to what the animals do during a total eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, visits the kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, visits the kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Stephen Plekan, left, and Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, got a close look at kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Stephen Plekan, left, and Autumn Rettke, from Green Bay, got a close look at kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Kathy Rettke, from left, Alyssa Rettke, Autumn Rettke and Stephen Plekan, from Green Bay, Wis., checked out the animals Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kathy Rettke, from left, Alyssa Rettke, Autumn Rettke and Stephen Plekan, from Green Bay, Wis., checked out the animals Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Free eclipse glasses are available Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Free eclipse glasses are available Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Chimpanzees visit one of their habitats Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Chimpanzees visit one of their habitats Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Nancy Lumdby looks up to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Nancy Lumdby looks up to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Chuck and Nancy Lumdby looks up to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Chuck and Nancy Lumdby looks up to see the start of the solar eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A chimpanzee was on the move and then stopped as totality was getting close Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

A chimpanzee was on the move and then stopped as totality was getting close Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

People watch totality during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

People watch totality during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Angie Snyder watches totality during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Angie Snyder watches totality during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Stephanie Smith and her daughter, Makenzie, from Grand Rapids, MI, watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Stephanie Smith and her daughter, Makenzie, from Grand Rapids, MI, watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Tulips close as totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Tulips close as totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Tulips close as totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Tulips close as totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

People watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

People watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A seal pauses and looks skyward twenty minutes before totality Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

A seal pauses and looks skyward twenty minutes before totality Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Seals and sea lions had an early feeding Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Their normal feeding close to the time of totality for the solar eclipse, so they got an earlier meal. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Seals and sea lions had an early feeding Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Their normal feeding close to the time of totality for the solar eclipse, so they got an earlier meal. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Families watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Families watch the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Totality of the solar eclipse brought darkness Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Totality of the solar eclipse brought darkness Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Totality of the solar eclipse brought darkness Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Totality of the solar eclipse brought darkness Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Ashley Monarch and Shawn Smith look skyward during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Ashley Monarch and Shawn Smith look skyward during the eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

The eclipse nears totality Monday, April 8, 2024 seen over the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

The eclipse nears totality Monday, April 8, 2024 seen over the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Flamingos become active as the eclipse totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. At totality, the birds huddled together. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Flamingos become active as the eclipse totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. At totality, the birds huddled together. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Flamingos become active as the eclipse totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. At totality, the birds huddled together. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Flamingos become active as the eclipse totality nears Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Indianapolis Zoo. At totality, the birds huddled together. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Totality is seen Monday, April 8, 2024 over the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Totality is seen Monday, April 8, 2024 over the Indianapolis Zoo. The Zoo was one location people went to observe the total solar eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Alex Kopytko, from San Diego, gets a close look of kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. He came with his parents, from Chicago, to see the eclipse.

Alex Kopytko, from San Diego, gets a close look of kangaroos Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Indianapolis Zoo, before the eclipse. He came with his parents, from Chicago, to see the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Alex Kopytko, from San Diego, came with his parents, Therese and Ed Kopytko, from Chicago, to see the total solar eclipse, and will watch from the Indianapolis Zoo, Monday, April 8, 2024. In the meantime, they visited with the animals. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Alex Kopytko, from San Diego, came with his parents, Therese and Ed Kopytko, from Chicago, to see the total solar eclipse, and will watch from the Indianapolis Zoo, Monday, April 8, 2024. In the meantime, they visited with the animals. Indianapolis is in the path of totality of the eclipse.

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar