Elephants' Instinctive Herd Protection Captured During Earthquake

When a 5.2-magnitude earthquake rattled the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a fascinating display of instinct unfolded among a herd of elephants. A video reveals the scene as five African elephants mill about their habitat just before the tremor strikes. At the first jolt, the elephants dash off in various directions, but quickly regroup as the older members rush to form a protective barrier around two young calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, both aged seven.

The adult elephants crowd around the calves, maintaining their defensive stance for several minutes, demonstrating their readiness against any perceived danger. This tense scene persisted even after the tremors ceased. Although the quake was felt from San Diego to Los Angeles, it resulted in no serious harm or damage—except for momentarily unsettling these majestic creatures. Such protective behavior is instinctive for elephants when faced with potential hazards.