Viral Video Shows How San Diego Zoo Elephants Protected Their Young Ones From Earthquake Chills

A viral video has captured the instinctive response of elephants at the San Diego Zoo during a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Southern California on April 14, 2025. The video, taken from the zoo's CCTV cameras, shows the herd coming together and securing themselves in the wamth of each other.

The elephants displayed protective behaviour as an immediate response to the tremors. They swiftly formed an "alert circle," a natural defensive measure to protect their younger herd members.

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After this morning’s shake-up, eles Ndlula, Zuli, Mkhaya, Umngani, and Khosi are back to their regular routine and safe alongside the rest of the crew here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

— San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (@sandiegozoo) April 14, 2025

The herd, reportedly including elephants Ndlula, Zuli, Mkhaya, Umngani, and Khosi, positioned themselves around the younger ones—particularly the 7-year-old elephants, Mkhaya and Zuli—attempting to shield them from any potential harm.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance shared the footage on X, captioning it, “Stronger together".

"Elephants have the unique ability to feel sounds through their feet and formed an 'alert circle' during the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Southern California this morning. This behavior is a natural response to perceived threats to protect the herd", the zoo wrote.

Notably, the "alert circle," or what some call the "circle of trust," is an natural response that elephants use to safeguard their young from any potential danger, especially following certain vibrations in the ground.

Animal instinct - 動物本能 https://t.co/PLx0HVkyky

— Tin Man (鋁人三項) (@TinMan17406814) April 15, 2025

Such a wholesome video https://t.co/FCMpRnaXZ5

— Bubble Boy (@dr_nakamoto) April 15, 2025

Amazing! https://t.co/cl0Ss31GEl

— Scott (@ScottTrace) April 15, 2025

It’s natural to protect your family and community! I can think of a few people that don’t have this instinct! https://t.co/WOMhqQ2CnM

— Susby (@Susby53597) April 15, 2025

Elephants do not deserve to be locked up in a zoo. https://t.co/pjwJt2REKA

— Flying Lizards (@flyinglizards) April 15, 2025

A few hours after the earthquake, the zoo reported that the elephants returned to their usual routines, safe and sound, continuing their daily activities as part of the zoo’s wildlife community.

Meanwhile, the footage has gone viral across social media platforms, evoking many reactions. Netizens called it an "Amazing" and "Wholesome video".