When a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California, elephants at the San Diego Zoo displayed remarkable instinctive behavior by forming an 'alert circle' around their young calves. Using both their keen sense of hearing and the ability to detect vibrations through their feet, the herd of five elephants quickly moved to shield the youngest members during the quake. Once the tremors had ceased, they maintained close proximity to ensure their safety, showcasing their natural response to perceived threats.
Across the city, homes wobbled in time with the quake, sending shelves toppling over and breaking glass knickknacks Southern Californians had on display, according to accounts shared online.
The behavior is part of a response against 'perceived threats to protect the herd,' the zoo wrote on X.
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