A 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook the San Diego area, causing a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to spring into action to protect their young. The video captured shows the older elephants, Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, circling around the two 7-year-old calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, shield them from any potential danger. The elephants remained huddled and on alert even after the shaking stopped. Elephants are intelligent and social animals who are able to feel sound through their feet and often form protective circles in the face of a perceived threat.
The female elephants, including teenager Khosi, played a crucial role in protecting the calves, with one calf seeking refuge between the adults while the other, the only male, displayed courage and independence on the edge of the circle. The elephants continued to huddle briefly during an aftershock but dispersed once they determined everyone was safe.
The actions of the elephants demonstrate their strong bond and protective instincts, particularly towards their young. The zoo curator noted that as the male calf grows, his role within the herd will change, with him eventually joining a bachelor group while the female elephants stay with the family unit for life. The video of the elephants forming the protective circle serves as a heartwarming reminder of the instinctual drive to protect loved ones in the face of danger.
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