Two elderly female tourists tragically lost their lives after being attacked by an elephant during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, on Thursday. The police reported that the victims were identified as 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand.
According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, the attack involved a female elephant accompanied by a calf. Safari guides present at the scene attempted to deter the elephant by firing shots; however, the effort proved futile as the elephant managed to charge at the women. Although the animal was struck and injured, it continued its assault, resulting in the immediate deaths of both women.
The incident occurred approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Female elephants are known for their protective behavior towards their young, often responding aggressively to perceived threats.
This tragic event echoes previous incidents, including the deaths of two American tourists in separate encounters with elephants last year, both of whom were also elderly women and suffered attacks while on safari vehicles.
