During a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in California, a herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instinctively formed a protective circle around their young.
The adult elephants, including Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, surrounded the calves Zuli and Mkhaya in a behavior known as an 'alert circle.' This natural response is meant to shield the young and ensure the safety of the herd during perceived threats. The quake was felt across Southern California but caused no injuries or major damage.
The elephants returned to normal behavior shortly after the tremors ended.
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Zoo elephants seen forming ‘alert circle’ around calf during California earthquake
Zoo officials say the elephants engaged in a behavior known as an “alert circle,” which is meant to protect the young and the entire herd from threats. The group of elephants can be seen instinctively circling a calf to protect it. They resumed normal behavior after a few minutes, though they stayed close to one another.
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Adorable moment elephants huddle to protect calves during California earthquake
The older elephants, Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, formed a protective circle around seven-year-old calves Zuli and Mkhaya. With ears spread and flapping, the adults stood guard for several minutes, even after the tremors subsided. The quake was felt from San Diego to Los Angeles, 120 miles (193km) away, but caused no injuries or major damage.
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