5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Southern California, Elephants Form Protective Circle

A herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park demonstrated their protective behavior during a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck near Julian, California. Video footage captured the elephants forming an 'alert circle' around younger members of the herd, specifically calves Zuli and Mkhaya, to shield them from perceived threats. This natural behavior showcases their intelligence and social structure, with older elephants standing guard while the younger ones remained in the center. The quake caused minor disruption, shaking items off shelves and sending boulders onto rural roads, but resulted in no major damage or injuries. Following the incident, the elephants returned to their normal activities, highlighting their resilience. The zoo emphasized that this behavior reflects the strong familial bonds and social dynamics within elephant herds.