WATCH: Elephants In San Diego Zoo Shield Calves During Earthquake

During a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Southern California on Monday (April 14), a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo instinctively formed a protective circle around their young. The remarkable moment was captured on video and shared by the zoo, showcasing the elephants' natural response to perceived threats.

As the ground began to shake, the elephants, including older members Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, quickly gathered around the seven-year-old calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, creating an "alert circle." According to the San Diego Zoo, elephants have the unique ability to sense vibrations through their feet, which likely prompted their swift action.

Mindy Albright, a curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, praised the elephants' behavior, saying, "It's so great to see them doing the thing we all should be doing — that any parent does, which is protect their children." The earthquake, centered in San Diego County, was felt as far north as Los Angeles. Fortunately, no injuries or major damage were reported, as confirmed by Cal Fire San Diego.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is currently working on Elephant Valley, a new development aimed at transforming the park's elephant area into a vibrant savanna. This project will allow guests to learn more about elephants' roles as ecosystem engineers and their complex social dynamics.