The Erie Zoo is celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse and National Zoo Lover's Day with their Zooclipse: Solar Safari on Monday, April 8. 

Imagine watching the eclipse surrounded by animals, the Erie Zoo is one of many spots hosting a celebration for the afternoon event. The celebration will be held from 12-5 p.m. 

Scott Mitchell, the Director of Development for the Erie Zoo explained, "We are really focusing on how the animals react, I think that will be really unique for people."

The event is geared towards families in the Erie community where they can learn and see the eclipse. As Mitchell explained, "We have extra benches that we think are going to be the best spots to watch the eclipse. We've got lots of parking here in front of the zoo and also behind the zoo so we anticipate being able to handle quite a few people we have to."

The family-friendly event is all about teaching children about a unique experience in a fun atmosphere. Not only will there be educational activities and crafts for families to enjoy , but they will also be able to see firsthand the animals react to the eclipse.

A limited supply of solar eclipse glasses will be available at the event. 

"Our keeper talks will be talking about how animals react to the moon and the sun in the changes of seasons so there's a lot related to the eclipse but it's a lot related to animals too", said Mitchell.

Additionally, the zoo is participating in Scistarter's Solar Eclipse Safari research to discover how an eclipse affects animal behaviors. 

The zoo also plans to use the day as a day of research. "We're looking at working with Gannon to do set up camera traps around the zoo on different species to see how cats react differently than animals like zebras. So we're hoping to gather some information to help other zoos in the future."

But the safety of the animals and visitors is their number one priority for the day. "Animals rarely look into the sun anyways. I think they'll be some confusion on their part, but we really haven't found any evidence of animal harming themselves in other places where they've had eclipses", said Mitchell.

The event is free for zoo members and regular admission for all other visitors. 

More information on the event can be found here.