When a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit the San Diego area, a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park sprang into action to protect their young. The video shows the African elephants standing around before running in different directions as the ground shook. The older elephants quickly encircled and shielded the two 7-year-old calves from any possible threats, remaining huddled for several minutes even after the rocking stopped.
The earthquake was felt from San Diego to Los Angeles, causing no injuries or major damage but spooking the elephants. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals that can feel sound through their feet, and they often huddle together in an “alert circle” when they sense danger, with the young in the center and the adults facing outward to defend the group.
One of the calves sought refuge between the adults, while the other, wanting to show his courage and independence, stayed on the edge of the circle. The female elephant repeatedly reassured him, tapping him with her trunk to stay in the circle. The elephants’ behavior showed their protective instincts towards their young.
An hour later, when an aftershock hit, they briefly huddled again before dispersing once they determined everyone was safe. The incident demonstrated the elephants’ natural instinct to protect their young, mirroring the protective behavior of parents towards their children.
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