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

This protective behavior demonstrates the elephants’ remarkable intelligence and social bonds. Elephants are known for their ability to detect vibrations through their feet, allowing them to sense danger early. When the earthquake occurred, the elephants instinctively formed an “alert circle,” with the adults standing on the outside to protect the calves in the center. After an aftershock, the herd briefly regrouped before dispersing once they determined the danger had passed. This event highlights the deep social connections and protective instincts of elephants, which continue to fascinate scientists and animal lovers alike.