California Earthquake: African Elephants at San Diego Zoo Form ‘Protective Circle’ Around Calves After Tremors; Video Goes Viral

An earthquake of 5.2 magnitude on the Richter scale struck California and nearby areas on Monday morning, April 14, shocking the people and animals in the United States. CCTV footages showing man and animal reaction to the jolts from emerging on social media. A video of an African elephant herd at the San Diego Safari Park was seen huddling to form an 'alert circle' to protect their calves from any harm during the quake jolts.

The CCTV video of the scene went viral on the internet, showing unity among the elephants. A 45-second viral clip from the zoo shows a group of jumbos standing calmly in the morning when an earthquake trembles the ground. They quickly regroup and form a circle around young elephants as a protective measure from any threat.

The elephants named by the San Diego Zoo are Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi. They stick together around the two calves, Zuli and Mkhaya. The adult jumbos stay alert by spreading their ears until the jolts stop, reported the Times of India.   

This shows elephants' bonds and protective instincts. The quake struck at around 10.10 am and its epicenter was recorded near Julian. No injuries or fatalities in the jolts. Several reports indicated that boulders fell on the road in Tijuana.

Also Read | 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes San Diego; Tremors Felt Across Southern California, Alert For Possible Aftershocks.

Another CCTV footage shows a cat reacting inside a home in El Cajon, California, after an earthquake in San Diego County on April 14. She looks confused and looks around the house. Another viral video shows mother Ashley Pinnick picking up her young baby, yelling, “Get out!” multiple times, and rushing out of the house, along with her husband and cat.