Earthquake Overview

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on Monday morning, causing noticeable tremors across the region. The seismic event originated in eastern San Diego County, leading to brief aftershocks.

Remarkable Animal Behavior

In a remarkable display of solidarity and instinct, African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instinctively formed a protective circle around their young during the quake. The video footage shared by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance captures this instinctive behavior.

The trio of adult elephants—Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi—immediately gathered around the younger elephants, Zuli and Mkhaya, as the quake unfolded. Elephants possess the unique ability to detect vibrations and sounds through their feet, likely influencing their quick response to the tremors.

Post-Earthquake Behavior

After approximately four minutes, the herd returned to their usual activities but maintained close proximity to each other. This behavior illustrates the strong social bonds present within elephant herds, particularly during stressful situations.

Conclusion

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s elephants serve as a compelling example of how animals react to natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of social structures in the animal kingdom. The instinctual protective measures taken by the herd highlight their deep-seated nurturing behaviors.