Elephants Form Protective Circle During Earthquake at San Diego Zoo

Quick Smiles:

• Elephants at the San Diego Zoo showcased their natural instincts during a recent earthquake.
• The herd formed a protective circle, a behavior known as an “alert circle,” to shield their young.
• Despite the scare, the elephants quickly returned to their usual activities.

In a delightful display of natural behavior, the San Diego Zoo’s elephant herd demonstrated their protective instincts during a recent earthquake.

The tremor, measuring 5.2 in magnitude, originated about three miles south of Julian, Southern California, and was felt as far as Tijuana.

Caught on the zoo’s security cameras, the footage revealed how three female elephants and their two calves reacted to the unexpected shaking.

In a remarkable show of unity, the adult elephants, named Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, formed a protective circle around the young ones, Zuli and Mkhaya.

This behavior, termed an “alert circle” by pachydermologists, involves the adults standing back-to-back, with tusks and trunks facing outward.

Such formations are typical in the wild, where elephants use them to safeguard their young from predators.

Elephants have a unique ability to feel sound vibrations through their feet, making earthquakes particularly unsettling for them.

Interestingly, many regions with large elephant populations, like Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, experience both mild and severe earthquakes.

A representative from the San Diego Zoo shared that “the herd, consisting of Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, and youngsters Zuli and Mkhaya, went back to normal after about 4 minutes, though they did stay close to one another.”

This event not only highlights the elephants’ strong familial bonds but also their incredible ability to adapt and respond to unexpected situations.

The footage has captured the hearts of many, offering a glimpse into the remarkable world of these intelligent creatures.

Source