Join us at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to witness the wonder of the solar eclipse and explore the science behind wildlife research!
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Columbus Zoo invites you to join us for a celestial experience. As the Zoo sits in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we will experience about two minutes of darkness, similar to dawn or dusk (weather permitting). This singular event will be a truly unforgettable experience.
We do expect heavier-than-normal traffic and suggest arriving to the Zoo earlier in the day (our hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
Click Here for Eclipse Event Safety Information
Eclipse Information
For planning purposes, here are the projected times for the eclipse when viewing from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
| Time partial eclipse starts | 1:55 p.m. |
| Time of totality | 3:11 p.m. |
| Duration of totality | Roughly 2 minutes |
| Time partial eclipse ends | 4:28 p.m. |
You can view more detailed eclipse information for our location here.
Event Information
In addition to viewing the eclipse, guests can meet and greet our beloved Character Ambassadors and enjoy Partner Activity Stations at Conservation Courtyard. It will be a day filled with excitement, education, and the natural beauty of our world.
- Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided (while supplies last) to safely witness this natural phenomenon, but we also encourage guests to bring their own since demand will be high.
- COSI will be bringing a hands-on activity as well as modeling a solar eclipse to show how the moon blocks the sun!
- Columbus Recreation and Parks will host a trivia game that centers around eclipse and conservation questions.
- The Wilds will join us as well to talk about upcoming programs and tours as well as sharing hands-on biofacts and info packets.
- Velvet Ice Cream has created a special SUNdae just for this special day. Bring your appetite! This treat is for sale this day only.
- Sunny Street Cafe Dublin-Avery will be on-site with fun prizes (while supplies last)
Animal Information
You may wonder, “How will the animals react to the eclipse?”
To answer that question, members of the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Care team, along with researchers from The Ohio State University (OSU) School of Environment and Natural Resources, will conduct an observational study during the eclipse. This will be the first such study conducted at the Columbus Zoo to see how the animals behave during this celestial phenomenon.
Using science to provide excellent animal wellbeing is a top priority at the Columbus Zoo. Zoo and OSU scientists will utilize ethograms, tools used to record specific animal behaviors, to collect data during the eclipse. We encourage guests to stop by the Zoo’s research station at the event to learn more about this study. Science-minded visitors can use these same ethograms to record their observations. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the Zoo to guide budding scientists, young and old.
This event is included with Zoo admission.
