African Elephants Form Protective Circle During 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

In a remarkable display of instinct and solidarity, African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park engaged in a protective behavior known as an 'alert circle' during a magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck on Monday, impacting Southern California. Mindy Albright, the curator of mammals, detailed how the elder elephants quickly surrounded their younger counterparts, demonstrating their natural defensive strategy. This behavior, observed and recorded by the park, underscores the extraordinary communication and social structures of elephants, which play a critical role in their survival in the wild. Albright noted that elephants possess acute hearing and can sense vibrations through their feet, making them adept at interpreting their environment and responding to potential threats. Interestingly, the younger elephant Zuli took a position on the outside of the circle, showcasing an evolving sense of responsibility: a notable trait of the species that has been previously documented, especially during past seismic events like the 2010 magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Beyond the elephants, human experiences during the quake were also documented, with construction workers expressing their relief at following safety protocols amid the tremors. The manager of the Colorado Rockies, Bud Black, shared how his day was disrupted as he navigated the aftermath of the quake. Overall, these stories highlight the interconnectedness of life — both human and animal — in adapting to natural occurrences and emphasizing the necessity of protocols for safety and communication in both wildlife and human spheres.