When a magnitude 5.2 earthquake rattled Southern California on Monday morning, the seismic event was not only felt by residents but also by the wildlife at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido. In a remarkable display of natural instinct, the park’s African elephant herd sprang into action, forming a tight defensive formation known as an “alert circle” to shield their young.
The scene, caught on video by the park’s surveillance cameras, captured the moment elder elephants Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi surrounded younger herd members Zuli and Mkhaya, as the ground began to tremble around 10 a.m. Their swift coordination and deep-rooted protective behavior offered a compelling look into the social intelligence of elephants—and a timely reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes in California.
Herd Instinct on Full Display
Mindy Albright, curator of mammals at the park, described the scene as both touching and scientifically significant. “It was really neat to see them come together as a herd to protect the juvenile and then immediately try to survey their habitat,” she said. “Elephants have an incredible sense of hearing — they can feel sound through their feet — so you can see them pause after they all formed the alert circle to see if they could get any more information from the environment.”
The elephants remained in formation for about four minutes before concluding the danger had passed. Still, they chose to stay closely grouped for some time, continuing to monitor their surroundings.
Social Evolution within the Herd
Albright noted an interesting behavioral detail: despite being the same age, 7-year-old Zuli positioned himself on the outer edge of the circle, rather than inside it with fellow juvenile Mkhaya. “Instead of being in the center of that protective circle, he was on the outside as one of the protectors, and to see that evolution of his social responsibility within the herd is really interesting,” she said.
Also Read: Bitcoin Plunges: Is It the Ideal Time to Buy?
In the wild, elephants often form these alert circles in the face of threats like predators or conflicts with other elephants. Such behavior is driven by their complex communication and family structures, which allow them to act quickly and cooperatively.
Echoes of the Past: Similar Behavior in 2010 Quake
This isn’t the first time the elephants at San Diego Zoo Safari Park have demonstrated such behavior. Albright recalled a similar response during the magnitude 7.2 Baja California earthquake in 2010. In both cases, the animals relied on age-old instincts to protect the herd and respond to environmental stress.
“Elephants are very unique,” Albright emphasized. “I think one of the things that makes them so likable is their connectedness to each other, which you can really see in moments like these.”
Understanding Elephant Communication During Emergencies
Elephants use a wide range of vocalizations, including infrasonic rumbles that humans cannot hear, to communicate danger or coordinate movement. These low-frequency sounds can travel long distances and are particularly useful during crises.
In Monday’s event, the rapid coordination of the alert circle demonstrates not just their sensitivity to seismic waves but their ability to communicate and make group decisions under stress. Older elephants often lead such responses, deciding whether the group should flee, investigate, or resume normal behavior.
Preparing for the Next Quake: Lessons from the Wild
As animals like elephants instinctively react to earthquakes, humans must also be prepared for the next temblor. California residents are urged to take advantage of tools like the state’s early warning system, which many reported successfully alerted them seconds before Monday’s quake.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones has long emphasized preparedness, encouraging families to build emergency kits, practice drop-cover-hold drills, and sign up for programs like the Unshaken newsletter, which offers a six-week earthquake readiness guide.
Evaluating Emergency Supplies and Alerts
For those unsure where to begin, the Los Angeles Times has reviewed several premade earthquake kits, evaluating them by price, quality, and comprehensiveness. These kits typically include essentials like food, water, first aid, flashlights, and communication tools—supplies that may be crucial if infrastructure is disrupted.
Additionally, California’s early warning system continues to improve. Many residents reported receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts seconds before Monday’s quake, a small but potentially life-saving window for action.
Conclusion: A Powerful Reminder from Nature
Monday’s earthquake served as a powerful reminder that preparedness is not just for people. From elephants forming protective circles to residents diving for cover, the event showcased the shared vulnerability—and resilience—of all creatures in the face of natural disaster.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s elephant herd, with its quiet strength and instinctive unity, offered a moving example of how to respond when the ground begins to shake: with awareness, communication, and care for the community.
