Ndlula, Umngani and Khosi — scramble to encircle and shield the two 7-year-old calves, Zuli and Mkhaya, from any possible threats.

A zoo spokesperson said the behavior is called an “alert circle” and said it is “intended to protect the young — and the entire herd — from threats.”

A herd of elephants at a safari park in San Diego was caught on camera instinctively protecting their young after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit the area.