Elephants feeling the Earthquake

Elephants have an extraordinary ability to perceive vibrations through their feet—far more acutely than they can see.🐘

Since the earthquake on the 28th, we have been closely observing the behavior of each group of elephants at Elephant Nature Park (ENP) to understand how they react to the aftershocks that followed the major earthquake in Chiang Mai Province.

More than two hundred aftershocks have occurred since the initial quake. While humans may occasionally feel tremors of magnitude 1-4—sometimes just as a brief feeling of dizziness—elephants perceive far more.

When an aftershock occurs, elephants react immediately. They communicate within their herds, using low-frequency rumbles and vocalizations that can travel over long distances. They also send signals to other herds, sharing information and ensuring that the entire elephant community is aware of any potential danger.
Their heightened perception and strong communication skills show just how deeply connected elephants are, not only to the earth but also to one another. Their ability to sense and respond to natural changes is yet another remarkable reminder of their intelligence and sensitivity.