When a recent earthquake rattled Southern California, a group of elephants responded with a stunning display of care and instinct. At San Diego Zoo Safari Park, security cameras captured three adult elephants quickly forming a circle around two young calves as the ground began to shake. This behavior, known as an “alert circle,” is how elephants shield their most vulnerable from perceived threats. Experts say it’s a powerful example of how emotionally intelligent and socially bonded these animals are. Elephants can detect tremors through their feet and ears, often reacting faster than humans. Their rapid response has even been observed during natural disasters like tsunamis. Moments like these remind us of the depth of animal intelligence and the importance of protecting species that still have so much to teach us.
Menu