On a recent Monday morning, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck southern California, affecting areas like San Diego and Los Angeles. The earthquake caused minor disruptions, such as rocks falling onto rural roads and items tumbling off shelves in stores. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located in San Pasqual Valley, was also impacted. The most remarkable part of this event was the response of a herd of African elephants. As the ground shook, the elephants quickly surrounded the young calves to protect them. The older elephants formed a circle around the calves, ensuring their safety.

This protective behavior highlights the elephants’ intelligence and social bonds. Elephants can detect vibrations through their feet, which helps them sense danger early. When the earthquake happened, the elephants instinctively formed an “alert circle,” with adults protecting the calves. After the aftershock, the herd regrouped briefly before dispersing once the danger passed. This event shows the deep social connections of elephants.