Southern California Earthquake Sparks Elephants’ Protective Behavior at Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — On the morning of April 14, 2025, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California, with tremors felt from San Diego to Los Angeles and as far as Tijuana, Mexico. This quake, occurring around 10 a.m. and centered near Julian, prompted a fascinating response from the elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located approximately 40 minutes north of the city.

In video footage captured during the quake, the elephants instinctively formed an “alert circle” to protect two young calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, both just seven years old. Adult elephants Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi quickly encircled the calves, showcasing a behavior typical of elephants when they sense danger. According to Mindy Albright, a curator of mammals at the park, this protective instinct highlights the strong social bonds within elephant herds.

As the ground trembled, the elephants huddled together, flapping their ears and assessing their surroundings. This defensive formation lasted for about four minutes after the initial tremor. Albright explained, “When something alarming happens, like a predator or an earthquake, they surround the young to protect them from danger—this is called an ‘alert circle.'” Elephants’ ability to sense sound through their feet facilitates their detection of vibrations that are imperceptible to humans, further enhancing their response to environmental threats.

The quake, linked to the Elsinore Fault system, was recorded at a depth of approximately eight miles beneath the surface. While it caused minor disruptions—such as items falling off shelves and boulders rolling onto rural roads—there were no reported injuries or significant damage. However, the elephants displayed visible signs of distress, huddling together again during an aftershock about an hour later before resuming their normal activities.

In the footage, herd dynamics were evident as Mkhaya instinctively sought refuge in the center of the circle while Zuli, the only male calf, positioned himself at the edge, seemingly eager to assert his independence. Albright noted that Khosi, a teenage female elephant who helped raise Zuli, was seen tapping him with her trunk, seemingly to reassure him: “Things are OK,” she seemed to say, encouraging him to stay within the protective circle.

This isn’t the first instance of the elephants demonstrating such behavior; during a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2010 that impacted the Baja California region, the elephants similarly formed an alert circle. This recurring behavior underscores their inherent familial instincts and adaptability to perceived threats. Dr. Joyce Poole, a conservation biologist and expert on elephant behavior, explained that when elephants gather together, they feel more secure and can better survey their environment for potential dangers.

In the wild, protective behavior is critical for the survival of the herd, especially for the youngest members who naturally seek the most sheltered positions. “They detect that animals are running, and therefore there is something potentially to be fearful of,” Poole stated.

Albright emphasized the significance of such responses for understanding elephant behavior and health. “For them to be so in tune with their environment and paying attention to the environmental cues, it’s really something that you want to see them still hone in on. It’s a measure of their health to see them respond like this,” she said.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance noted that this incident illustrates strong social structures within elephant herds. Elephants are known for their complex social bonds and communication skills, which are crucial for their survival. Their adaptive responses to threats like earthquakes offer valuable insights into their behavior and social dynamics.

In summary, the earthquake on April 14 not only shook the ground beneath Southern California but also highlighted the remarkable instincts and social behaviors of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Their quick formation of an alert circle to protect their young is a testament to their intelligence and strong family ties, providing a glimpse into the intricate lives of these majestic animals. As the elephants resumed their daily routines following the quake, they served as a reminder of the importance of family and protection within the animal kingdom—a lesson resounding with many, human and animal alike.