SAN DIEGO (AP) — A strong 5.2-magnitude earthquake recently stirred up more than just the ground. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, five African elephants quickly sprang into protective action.
In a video captured during the quake, you can see the elephants basking in the sun before everything begins to shake. They swiftly moved into a protective circle, surrounding two young calves, Zuli and Mkhaya. The older elephants—Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi—positioned themselves to defend the calves from potential danger. For several minutes, they stood vigilant, ears flapping, even after the tremors stopped.
The quake was felt across a wide area, from San Diego to Los Angeles, about 120 miles away. While it caused minor spills in stores and sent some rocks tumbling in rural areas, thankfully, there were no injuries or significant damage reported. However, it certainly startled the elephants.
Mindy Albright, a curator at the Safari Park, explained how elephants react in such situations. They often form an “alert circle” during threats, with babies in the center and adults facing outward. This behavior highlights their intelligence and social bonds.
Elephants are known to communicate through vibrations in the ground, so when they felt the quake, it triggered their protective instincts. In the video, one calf sought safety among the adults, while the only male calf demonstrated his bravery by standing at the edge of the group. Albright noted that Khosi, a young female, nudged him gently with her trunk, almost reassuring him that all was well.
As Zuli grows up, his role will change. He will eventually join a bachelor group, while the female elephants, including Khosi, will remain with their family. Albright reflected on the scene, saying, “It’s heartwarming to see them instinctively protect their young, much like any caring parent would.”
After the initial quake, an aftershock struck an hour later. The elephants briefly regrouped before determining that the coast was clear.
This incident not only reveals the elephants’ close-knit social structure but also brings awareness to the power of natural events. According to research from the United States Geological Survey, the occurrence of earthquakes in California is frequent; in fact, around 10,000 quakes are recorded each year, though most are too weak to be felt.
This event also prompted conversations on social media about wildlife behavior during natural disasters. Many users shared stories of how pets and animals can sense changes in the environment before humans do, showcasing an instinct that can be both fascinating and concerning.
While the earthquake itself was mild in terms of damage, the elephants’ protective response serves as a reminder of the natural world’s resilience and the deep familial bonds within animal societies.
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