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

Zoo officials say the elephants engaged in a behavior known as an “alert circle,” which is meant to protect the young and the entire herd from threats. The group of elephants can be seen instinctively circling a calf to protect it. They resumed normal behavior after a few minutes, though they stayed close to one another.