Image for illustrative purposes only. Sourced via Getty.
Two international tourists were tragically killed by a charging elephant while on a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park on Thursday.
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According to a report by AP News, the victims were 68-year-old Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Taylor from New Zealand.
The women were part of a guided safari group when they were attacked by a female elephant accompanied by a calf.
As per the report, the Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said that the safari guides attempted to deter the elephant by firing shots, injuring the animal, but were unable to prevent the charge. Both women died at the scene.
The incident occurred in the eastern region of Zambia, roughly 600 kilometres from the capital, Lusaka. Female elephants are known to be extremely protective of their young and can become aggressive when they perceive a threat.
This is the latest in a series of fatal elephant encounters in the country. In 2024, two American women were killed in separate incidents while on safari vehicles in different parts of Zambia.
South Luangwa National Park is one of Zambia’s most renowned wildlife reserves, particularly famous for its walking safaris and high density of elephants, leopards and other wildlife.
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