A viral video has captured the instinctive response of elephants at the San Diego Zoo during a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Southern California on April 14, 2025. The video, taken from the zoo's CCTV cameras, shows the herd coming together and securing themselves in the wamth of each other.
The elephants displayed protective behaviour as an immediate response to the tremors. They swiftly formed an "alert circle," a natural defensive measure to protect their younger herd members.
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The herd, reportedly including elephants Ndlula, Zuli, Mkhaya, Umngani, and Khosi, positioned themselves around the younger ones—particularly the 7-year-old elephants, Mkhaya and Zuli—attempting to shield them from any potential harm.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance shared the footage on X, captioning it, “Stronger together".
"Elephants have the unique ability to feel sounds through their feet and formed an 'alert circle' during the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Southern California this morning. This behavior is a natural response to perceived threats to protect the herd", the zoo wrote.
Notably, the "alert circle," or what some call the "circle of trust," is an natural response that elephants use to safeguard their young from any potential danger, especially following certain vibrations in the ground.
A few hours after the earthquake, the zoo reported that the elephants returned to their usual routines, safe and sound, continuing their daily activities as part of the zoo’s wildlife community.
Meanwhile, the footage has gone viral across social media platforms, evoking many reactions. Netizens called it an "Amazing" and "Wholesome video".
