Elephants Form Protective Circle Around Calves During 5.2 Magnitude Quake in California

When a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California, a herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park showcased their instinctual protective behavior by forming an 'alert circle' around their calves, Zuli and Mkhaya. Surveillance footage captured the older elephants, including Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, quickly encircling the younger members after the tremor began, demonstrating their ability to sense seismic vibrations before they became visible. This remarkable display of social bonding and intelligence lasted for about four minutes, during which the adults faced outward to shield the calves. Although the earthquake caused minor disruptions, it resulted in no major damage or injuries in the region. Following the quake, one calf was seen seeking comfort among the adults while another hesitated at the edge of the circle, prompting gentle reassurance from a teenage elephant. The incident highlights not only the elephants' innate protective instincts but also the effectiveness of California's early earthquake warning system, which provided alerts seconds before the shaking occurred.