San Diego Zoo Elephants Form Alert Circle During Earthquake Scare

San Diego, California — A herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instinctively formed an “alert circle” to protect their young during a magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck near Julian, California, on April 14, 2025. The earthquake occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. and was felt widely across Southern California, with reports of tremors reaching as far as Los Angeles and Tijuana, Mexico.

The temblor, which originated just south of the Elsinore Fault Zone, prompted immediate action from the elephant herd, captured in a now-viral video that showcases their protective behavior. According to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), elephants will circle their young to shield them from perceived threats. This behavior emphasizes their strong social bonds and family structure.

“Elephants have the ability to feel sound through their feet,” the SDZWA said in a statement. “This video demonstrates the strong social family structure in elephant herds.” The herd at the zoo consists of Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, and their young, Zuli and Mkhaya.

Online observers expressed awe at the elephants’ quick response. Comments on the video included sentiments such as, “So majestic, beautiful, and smart they are. We must be their protectors!!” and “Amazing, very smart.” The video has sparked a significant amount of attention on social media, drawing viewers to the elephants’ instinctual actions in the wake of the earthquake.

The earthquake itself was part of a series of seismic activities that included several aftershocks. By 11:30 a.m., four aftershocks, ranging between magnitudes 3.0 and 3.9, were recorded, but initial assessments indicated no major damage across the region. Evacuations were briefly enacted in downtown San Diego as a precaution.

Aside from the immediate areas surrounding Julian, residents from Ramona, San Diego Country Estates, Pine Valley, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park reported feeling the tremors, as did many in various cities across Los Angeles County and beyond.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reassured the public that all elephants and staff were safe following the incident and that the herd returned to their normal activities shortly after the event.

This incident serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics within elephant herds and their remarkable capabilities. “This behavior is a natural response to perceived threats to protect the herd,” stated the park in another release about the incident.