On April 15, 2025, Southern California was rattled by a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, creating a unique scene at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As the tremors rippled through the area, the park’s African elephants showcased their natural instincts, forming a protective 'alert circle' around their young.
The seismic event, with its epicenter near Julian, jolted the zoo into action, particularly within the elephant enclosure. The herd's response was both rapid and coordinated, with adult elephants Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi acting as the protectors. They positioned themselves in a circle facing outward, effectively shielding the calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, from any potential threats spotted during the tremor.
The ability of elephants to detect seismic vibrations through their feet triggered this defensive behavior. Mindy Albright, a curator at the zoo, noted that this response is deeply rooted in their social dynamics and survival instincts. Their outward-facing stance allows adults to assess possible dangers while ensuring the safety of their young.
Zuli, the young male calf, showed his innate curiosity by venturing towards the edge of this protective ensemble. In a gentle reminder of the threat, Khosi tapped him back into the circle using her trunk, reinforcing the importance of staying close.
A Calm After the Quake
Despite the initial fear, the herd calmed after a few minutes, resuming their normal activities. The tranquility was briefly interrupted by a 4.0-magnitude aftershock, prompting them to regroup once more. Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damage reported from Julian, apart from a few items knocked off shelves and displaced boulders on roads.
The zoo highlighted the elephants' strong social bonds and exemplary protective behaviors, noting their similar reaction during a past earthquake in 2010. This event not only underscores the incredible instincts housed within these gentle giants but also reassures us of the tightly-knit community they form. Such instances remind us of the intricacies of animal behavior and the innate strategies they employ when faced with natural adversities.