Watch the Moment Elephants React to a Real Earthquake
have a say: to share your opinion or help make a decision
When the ground shook during a recent earthquake in California, the elephants reacted fast. A San Diego Zoo camera recorded their teamwork. Five African elephants ran together and made a tight circle. The big adults stood on the outside, and the two calves stayed safe in the middle.
Experts call this move “bunching”. It lets every adult watch for danger. The young female calf Mkhaya rushed to the middle. The male calf, Zuli, tried to stand with the adults, but the older females pushed him back inside the protective circle.
Elephant scientist Dr. Joyce Poole says the animals make decisions as a group, but follow the oldest female in a crisis. She said, “It’s a pretty democratic society. Everyone has a say… But when there’s trouble, everyone will pay attention to the matriarch.”
Watch the video below to see how the herd protects its young from danger.
Sample sentences
At the family meeting, my little sister wanted to have a say about where we should go for vacation.
The students were happy because the teacher let them have a say in planning the school trip.
In my job, I don’t always have a say in how the work is done.
Read More:
After an Earthquake, These Elephants Knew Exactly Who to Follow: Mom