A herd of elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park quickly formed a protective circle around their young during a recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake.
When trouble comes, we often wish someone would stand close by. A hand on the shoulder, a steady voice, or even just quiet presence can make a difference.
God didn’t create us to face hardship alone. He calls us to uphold one another, to stand near, and to be a place of safety for someone else. That’s exactly what a herd of elephants did for their young when the ground shook beneath them.
The earthquake struck around 10 a.m. while five African elephants were standing in the morning sun. As the ground began to shake, the elephants moved quickly. Ndlula, Umngani, and Khosi, the older elephants, rushed to form a circle around the calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, who are both seven years old.
One of the calves ran straight to the center of the group. The other, Zuli, stayed closer to the edge. Khosi gently tapped him with her trunk, as if guiding him to stay in the group.
The elephants stood in that circle for several minutes. They kept their ears wide and turned outward. Mindy Albright, a curator at the park, said, “They sort of freeze as they gather information about where the danger is.” She added.
“It was really neat to see them come together as a herd to protect the juvenile and then immediately try to survey their habitat.”
Elephants often form what is called an “alert circle” when they sense danger. In this circle, the adults face outward and the young stay in the center.
This helps keep the calves safe. Elephants can also sense vibrations through their feet and talk to each other using low rumbles that humans cannot hear. Older elephants help decide whether to run, stay still, or return to normal.
After the first earthquake passed, the elephants stayed close together. When an aftershock hit about an hour later, they quickly huddled again.
This incredible story helps us remember the strength that comes from staying together. God created us for community. When trouble comes, we are meant to surround each other with support, just like these elephants did.
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