Elephants Showcase Remarkable Instincts during California Earthquake
SAN DIEGO (AP) — As the ground trembled beneath them with a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, the elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park exhibited an awe-inspiring display of instinct and protection. This remarkable event not only shed light on the intelligence of animals but also highlighted the profound bonds within elephant herds during emergencies.
A video captured the quick response of five African elephants as the earthquake struck on Monday morning. Initially basking in the morning sun, the herd quickly sprang into action, forming a tight circle around their calves, Zuli and Mkhaya. The matriarchs, including Ndlula and Umngani, took on the protective role, their ears flapping and bodies alert, creating a defense against any potential threat as the ground shook.
Curator Mindy Albright described their actions: "They sort of freeze as they gather information about where the danger is." This instinctual behavior, known as "bunching," is typical among elephants when they sense a threat. It provides a 360-degree view, keeping the younger animals securely in the center while alert adults face outward.
Interestingly, individual personalities emerged in this moment of crisis. While Mkhaya, the female calf, instinctively sought the safety of the inner circle, Zuli, the only male calf, chose to position himself on the edge, striving to display courage and independence. Albright noted how a teenage female, Khosi, reassuringly tapped Zuli with her trunk, signaling, "Things are OK," and encouraging him to stay within the group.
This protective behavior underscores the complexity of elephant social structures. Joyce Poole, a conservation biologist, emphasized the intelligence of these animals, stating, "They feel more secure when they are close together." Elephants are not just social; they communicate and respond to threats collectively, which enhances their chances of survival.
The earthquake, which reverberated across Southern California, was a startling reminder of nature's power. Although it sent boulders tumbling and rattled items off shelves in nearby communities, thankfully, no injuries or significant damage were reported.
As scientists study these remarkable reactions, one thing is clear: the way elephants care for each other during crises teaches us about resilience and familial bonds. As Albright aptly remarked, "It's so great to see them doing the thing we all should be doing...protecting their children." This event serves not only as an extraordinary instance of animal behavior but also as a reminder of our own responsibilities to safeguard one another.
How do you think animal behavior during crises can inform how we respond to emergencies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related issues news
Where was the earthquake centered today in southern California?
The United States Geological Survey reported a preliminary 5.2 earthquake centered east of San Diego in Julian. The earthquake hit about 10:10 a.m. with a depth of about 8 miles. People from Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles County felt the earthquake.
Where was the San Diego earthquake centered?
Where was the San Diego earthquake felt? Eyewitness News received calls from viewers who felt the shaking in parts of the San Fernando Valley, Riverside, Palm Springs and more. The quake was centered about 2.5 miles south of Julian, a picturesque town best known for its apple pies and bakeries.
What is an elephant alert circle?
Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals that have the ability to feel sound through their feet. When they perceive a threat, they often bunch together in an u201calert circleu201d, typically with the young clustered in the center and the adults facing outward to defend the group.
What did the elephants do at the San Diego Zoo during the earthquake?
When a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California on Monday, humans followed the usual drill: drop, cover and hold on. But one herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Calif. had their own plan u2014 circle up and stand together. Security footage from the park shows the moment clearly.
