Source: Los Angeles Times
During a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Southern California, African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instinctively formed an “alert circle” to protect their young, a behavior seen in the wild. As the ground shook, elder elephants Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi quickly surrounded the younger members of the herd, demonstrating their protective instincts and strong social bonds. The event, captured on video, highlighted the elephants’ ability to sense danger through their feet and respond as a cohesive group.
After four minutes, sensing the threat had passed, the elephants disbanded the circle but remained close. Notably, 7-year-old Zuli, instead of staying in the center, positioned himself as a protector, reflecting his growing role within the herd. This behavior underscores elephants’ complex communication, including infrasonic rumbles, and the leadership of older members during threats. The herd displayed similar behavior during a 2010 earthquake, emphasizing their remarkable social awareness and emotional intelligence.