Yes, we’re still talking about it. How can you blame us? Residents + tourists had different experiences of the eclipse on Monday, based on their location. Everyone witnessed the moon pass in front of the sun (2 min. + 30 sec. of totality) and the sudden light + temp drops. But how did the zoo animals react? And what about the drivers on I-26?

📍 Riverbanks Zoo | As darkness fell, the Siam gibbons primates (who were quiet + inactive in the heat of the day) began to call + swing from the trees – but then went completely silent during totality. Scientists had never heard of that reaction before. A largely inactive Komodo dragon ran toward shelter at totality. The flamingos huddled together as darkness fell – and then appeared to attempt to fly away, furiously flapping their clipped wings during totality. Baboons, birds and other animals showed signs of restlessness + agitation.

📍 Lake Murray region + I-26 | No official numbers were recorded, but the Lake Murray Dam boat landing + beach were packed for the event. Drivers along I-26 between Piney Grove Rd. + Harbison Blvd. turned on their headlights during totality. Welders stopped at a Waffle House off the highway to view the event through their welders’ masks. 🥞

📍 Blythewood | Thousands of viewers gathered for the eclipse at Doko Meadows Park, eating snowcones, jamming to live music + relaxing under tents and umbrellas.

📍 Fort Jackson + NE Columbia | Cloud coverage and showers blocked the sun + moon on some streets in these areas.

5 min read / The State