Elephants form a protective circle around their calf during the 5.2 magnitude earthquake in California.

When the ground shook from a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in California, a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo immediately performed a touching act of protection for their young.

The video shows adult elephants in California, USA, forming a protective circle around their calves during the 5.2 magnitude earthquake on April 15th - Photo: REUTERS

According to The Guardian, on April 15th, when a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck California, a herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park reacted quickly and emotionally to protect their young.

When the ground began to shake, the adult elephants immediately ran to form a "circle of vigilance," surrounding the two seven-year-old calves – Zuli and Mkhaya – to protect them from danger. The adults, including Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, turned their faces outwards, ears spread wide, ready to face any threat.

The April 15th earthquake in California was felt from San Diego to Los Angeles, approximately 193km from the epicenter.

Although there was no major damage or casualties, the aftershocks caused large rocks to roll down the streets and goods to fall off shelves in some shops in the town of Julian near the epicenter.

For the elephants in particular, the sudden shaking caused them to become highly alert.

According to Mindy Albright, a mammal expert at the park, this reaction is an instinctive behavior and demonstrates the intelligence and high social skills of elephants.

Elephants are able to sense vibrations through their feet, and when they feel danger, they often huddle together to protect the young in the middle, with adult elephants standing on the outer perimeter to gather information about the source of the danger.

In the video, a baby elephant immediately runs into the middle of the group of adults to find safety. The remaining male calf, Zuli, tries to stand outside to show bravery. The adult female elephant, Khosi, then gently taps Zuli's back and face with her trunk to reassure him and remind him to return to the protective circle.

Zuli is still young and well cared for, but will eventually leave the herd to join the male elephants, while female elephants like Mkhaya will live their entire lives with the herd. Ms. Albright shared: "It's touching to see them doing something like humans – protecting their offspring from danger."

After about an hour, a minor aftershock caused the elephants to gather again, but this time they quickly calmed down and dispersed after determining there was no longer any danger.

Although there were no damages or injuries caused by the earthquake, the elephants' actions touched many people, highlighting the loving protective instincts of these animals.

Read more Back to the Home page

PUBLIC

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/voi-truong-thanh-vay-vong-tron-bao-ve-voi-con-trong-tran-dong-dat-tai-bang-california-2025041608414205.htm