A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit San Diego, causing a herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to spring into action to protect their young. Video footage showed the older elephants forming a circle around the two 7-year-old calves, shielding them from potential threats. The elephants remained huddled together even after the shaking stopped, with their ears spread and flapping, ready to defend the group.
Elephants are known for their intelligence and social nature, often forming alert circles to protect their young when they perceive a threat. In the video, one calf sought refuge between the adults, while the other, a male, demonstrated courage and independence at the edge of the circle. The female elephants reassured the young calves by tapping them with their trunks, indicating that everything was okay.
The calves play different roles in the herd, with the male eventually moving to join a bachelor group while the females stay with the family unit for life. The behavior of the elephants during the earthquake demonstrated the instinct to protect their young, reflecting the natural parental instinct to safeguard children.
Despite an aftershock later on, the elephants briefly huddled again and then dispersed once they determined that everyone was safe. The incident highlighted the strong bonds and protective instincts of the herd, showcasing the nurturing and caring nature of elephants in the face of danger.
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