Elephants Encircle Young in 'Alert Circle' During Quake

COLOMBO (News 1st); On Monday morning, Southern California experienced a 5.2-magnitude earthquake that caused boulders to tumble onto rural roads outside San Diego and items to fall off shelves.

Amid the tremors, a remarkable scene unfolded at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

A herd of African elephants, including Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, and the young Zuli and Mkhaya, instinctively formed a protective circle around their calves.

This behavior, known as an “alert circle,” is a natural response to perceived threats, as elephants can sense vibrations through their feet.

The herd's quick action to safeguard their young was captured on video, displaying their strong familial bonds and protective instincts.

After several minutes, the elephants appeared to calm down, reassured that the danger had passed. Fortunately, officials reported no injuries or major damage from the earthquake.