Empire State Review Team 
Elephants’ Protective Instinct Shines During San Diego Earthquake
Recent Seismic Activity in San Diego
On the morning of April 14, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck near Julian, California. This seismic event created noticeable vibrations throughout San Diego, affecting structures and being perceptible as far north as Los Angeles.
For more details on this earthquake, you can refer to the official report.
Elephants’ Response to the Earthquake
Footage released by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park captured a touching moment showing the elephants’ natural instincts during the earthquake. Located less than 40 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter, the park exhibited remarkable behavior displayed by the elephants.
As the tremors shook the ground, the elephants quickly formed an “alert circle” around their younger members to safeguard them from potential threats. The zoo shared this engaging interaction on social media, highlighting the animals’ proactive response.
Understanding Elephant Behavior
The San Diego Zoo provided insight into elephants’ acute sensory perceptions, stating, “Elephants have the unique ability to feel sounds through their feet.” This capability allows them to sense vibrations and react swiftly to disturbances in their environment.
The elephants involved—named Ndlula, Zuli, Mkhaya, Umngani, and Khosi—have since returned to their daily activities at the zoo, living normally after the event.
