Elephants did something very unusual when a powerful earthquake hit San Diego Zoo Safari Zoo in California

Just like how we try to protect our kids during challenging times, animals, too, do the same for the younger members of their herd. That's precisely what happened at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark on Instagram) when an earthquake of 5.2 magnitude shook Southern California recently. A now-viral CCTV footage captured elephants instinctively forming an "alert circle" to protect the younger jumbos of the group.

The moment the elephants realized that something was off, they immediately jumped into action, guarding the little ones in the group. They went on to stand in a protective circle, ensuring the younger ones' safety. Shortly after, when everything was normal, the elephant herd broke the circle but still stayed close to one another. Calling it a "circle of trust," the zoo officials shared that the elephants could sense the horrifying earthquake and hence formed an "alert circle." They wrote, "This behavior, demonstrated here by Ndlula, Zuli, Mkhaya, Umngani, and Khosi, is a natural response to perceived threats that helps protect younger elephants and the herd as a whole."

The incredible clip received an overwhelming response on social media with over 11 million views. Meanwhile, @socalparentguide commented, "This is so interesting to watch. Glad everyone is safe! Thanks for sharing." @coach_bk12 wrote, "These elephants are clearly locals! They had an emergency plan, and they performed it so well! A+." @kerry.ojeda said, "So beautiful that their natural instincts were to protect each other and stay close in a crisis. Precious and dear. I just wish our country could act like this with one another."

@paigejohannanorth commented, "The more I learn about elephants, the more I believe they’re the coolest animals. Always in awe of their emotional intelligence." @the_captain_unikitty wrote, "Hope everyone is safe; the elephants had their plans all ready, protecting each other." @homeontheplainsetc79 said, "All animals go on protect mode when one of their own may be in a dangerous position...My dogs, which have been together for nearly a decade, consider each other family... When I have them outside, even if I have them on leashes." @specialkv69 wrote, "Elephants are my love. They are so smart and kind. Back in the early 80s, my grandma gave me an elephant charm necklace, but I refused it because it was made of ivory. The elephant probably died so people can make those charms."

@ciscocorleone shared, "Imagine if we all humans had each other’s backs like elephants did. We would not be in this situation we’re in." @roberta_enhus pointed out, "Elephants are incredible. Highly intelligent, and instinctively, they protect their own. We humans should learn something from these souls." On the other hand, @the_royal_hawaiian commented, "If an animal in captivity can instinctively form an organized response circle, I'm not seeing how we can keep these highly intelligent mammals in captivity." @katie__alam revealed, "This is amazing! Not as scary of an event, but we were at the zoo in Syracuse, NY, during the solar eclipse last April and watched the totality near the elephant enclosure, and they did something similar to this. It was so cool to watch."

You can follow San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark on Instagram) for more animal-related updates.