WACO, Texas — Cameron Park Zoo will be open normally on April 8th for the total solar eclipse.
There is some uncertainty about how different animals in the zoo will behave during the eclipse, but zoo keepers expect everything to be okay.
"We don't anticipate anything negative happening but we certainly are excited and anticipating the unique opportunity," said Brendan Wiley, the director of Cameron Park Zoo.
Wiley has a pretty good idea of what one species at the zoo might be up to during the total eclipse.
"There is actually antidotal evidence that tortoise mating increases during an eclipse," said Wiley, "We'll weigh out our options as to what to do with the eggs."
The heaviest animal in the zoo won't let the slowest moving animal or any other animal in the zoo steal the show. Wiley told 6 News he plans to be at the elephant enclosure during the total solar eclipse to witness what Timbo, the zoo's only African elephant, may do.
"Elephants are extremely intelligent animals. And you just have to believe she is going to be fully aware that something is going on and I'm curious to see what Tembo does during that time," says Wiley.
Despite being professionals with wild animals, Cameron Park Zoo keeper officials are giving advice to Central Texans who have domesticated animals.
"Even your pets at home. It's a change in weather, essentially. So if you have a pet or you know an animal that gets nervous during thunderstorms for example, it may be a good time to provide some extra comfort for that pet," said Wiley.