CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Elephants form “alert circle” during 5.2 magnitude earthquake

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Lots of people in Southern California felt Monday's 5.2 earthquake, and animals did too.

Footage captured by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park shows the elephant herd reacting to the earthquake.

Once the quake started, the herd started running.

Shortly after, the animals form what experts call an "alert circle." They say it's a natural response to perceived threats to protect the herd.

The zoo says the elephants are now back to their normal routine.