When an earthquake hit, these elephants formed a protective circle around their youngest

Elephants are known for their strong family bonds and protective instincts, and a recent incident at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park showcased just how remarkable these animals can be. When a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit the area, Mkhaya, a seven-year-old elephant, found herself surrounded by her herd in what is known as an “alert circle.”

The video of the event captured the herd’s quick response to the earthquake, with three adult females, Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, encircling Mkhaya along with her half-brother Zuli. The younger male, still a child but on the cusp of adolescence, stood with the older females, demonstrating his evolution of maturity within the family group.

Mindy Albright, curator of mammals at the zoo, was amazed by the elephants’ sharp instincts and effective communication skills during the earthquake. She noted that elephants have the ability to feel sound vibrations through their feet and communicate in frequencies below human hearing, making their response to the earthquake both instinctual and coordinated.

Chase LaDue, a conservation scientist who works with elephants, explained that alert circles are a natural behavior for elephants, often displayed in the wild in response to perceived threats. The fact that this behavior was observed in captivity at the zoo indicates that the facility has maintained the herd’s natural family unit intact, allowing them to express their natural behaviors.

Although the earthquake ultimately posed no danger to the elephants, the herd’s response was heartening to see. After the quake and a subsequent aftershock, the elephants returned to their normal activities, demonstrating their resilience and strong family bonds.

The incident at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving these intelligent and social animals. By providing opportunities for elephants to express their natural behaviors and maintaining their family units, zoos can help ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures.