The Dallas Zoo is hosting a total solar eclipse viewing event as Dallas is a prime spot to track the moon’s shadow across the Earth.

“Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, an avid Zoo devotee, or simply curious about the cosmos – this rare spectacle will create memories that last a lifetime,” reads the event description on the zoo’s website.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DALLAS EXPRESS APP

The rare eclipse is expected on April 8. Weather permitting, here are the times estimates the eclipse will appear over Dallas:

  • 12:23 p.m. – Partial eclipse begins
  • 1:40 p.m. – Total eclipse begins
  • 1:44 p.m. – Total eclipse ends
  • 3:02 p.m. – Partial eclipse ends

On April 8, the zoo will be open during its regular hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and charge its standard entrance fee, $22 for adults and $18 for youth and seniors. According to the zoo’s website, visitors can expect eclipse-themed snacks, like house-made moon pies, “space popcorn,” and Eclipse-eroni pizza.

“Your Dallas Zoo is the ideal spot to view the upcoming total solar eclipse AND observe how our animals react to this amazing natural phenomenon,” read a post on X from the Dallas Zoo.

Dallas is the largest city in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse. It will also enjoy one of the longest viewings of any location in North America. The last time Dallas enjoyed prime viewing of this historical event was nearly a century and a half ago, in 1878, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.