Two elderly tourists were killed by an elephant protecting its calf during a walking safari at South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia on Thursday morning, marking the latest in a series of fatal wildlife encounters involving tourists in southern Africa.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba identified the victims as Easton Janet Taylor, 68, from the United Kingdom, and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from New Zealand. The fatal attack occurred at approximately 6:20 AM local time when a female elephant charged the group.
The tourists were participating in a guided walking safari accompanied by two armed wildlife officers and two other guides when they encountered the elephant with its calf. Despite attempts by the guides to deter the animal by firing warning shots, the elephant continued its charge.
Fatal Injuries Sustained
Both women suffered severe injuries in the attack, including fractured limbs and deep lacerations. They died at the scene before emergency assistance could arrive. The incident occurred approximately 370 miles from Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.
The guides attempted to stop the elephant from charging at the women by firing shots at it,” Police Commissioner Mweemba said. “The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots but the guides were unable to prevent the attack.”
The South Luangwa National Park, spanning 9,050 square kilometers, is renowned as the birthplace of the walking safari. The park attracts thousands of international visitors annually who come to observe its diverse wildlife, including over 60 mammal species and 400 bird species.
Pattern of Protective Behavior
Wildlife experts emphasize that female elephants display heightened protective instincts when accompanied by calves. The animals can perceive approaching humans as potential threats, triggering aggressive defensive responses.
“Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats,” according to conservation officials familiar with elephant behavior patterns in the region.
The attack represents the second fatal elephant encounter involving international tourists in Zambia this year. In June, American tourist Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed when an elephant threw her from a vehicle and trampled her near the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone.
Rising Incidents Across Region
Thursday’s tragedy follows a pattern of increasing human-elephant conflicts across southern Africa. Just two months ago, a 68-year-old woman was trampled to death by a herd of elephants at South Africa’s Kruger National Park after leaving her accommodation for an evening walk.
Statistical analysis from wildlife authorities indicates that elephant-related fatalities in African safari destinations average between 100 to 200 deaths annually, though tourist deaths remain relatively rare. Tourism safety experts report that only one tourist dies annually on average from wildlife encounters despite millions visiting African safari destinations each year.
Safety measures, such as experienced guides and designated viewing areas, can reduce the risk of animal attacks,” noted a comprehensive safety study published by the African Tourism Board.
Climate Change Impact
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesman Tinashe Farawo attributes the increase in elephant encounters to changing migration patterns caused by climate change. The search for water and food has forced elephants to alter their traditional routes, leading to more frequent human contact.
“Elephants know no boundaries. They are moving in search of water and food,” Farawo told international media last year after Zimbabwe recorded 60 elephant-related deaths in 2023.
The pressure on elephant populations has intensified across the region. A recent survey found that among 228,000 elephants in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the mortality ratio reached 10.5 percent in 2023.
Safety Protocols Under Review
South Luangwa National Park management has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife, along with other relevant authorities, will examine existing safety protocols for walking safaris.
Tourism operators emphasize their commitment to guest safety while acknowledging the inherent risks of wildlife encounters. Most safari companies employ extensively trained guides and maintain strict safety protocols, including maintaining safe distances from animals and remaining in vehicles during game drives.
“Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked,” Keith Vincent, chief executive of safari operator Wilderness, explained regarding a similar incident earlier this year.
Tourism Impact Concerns
The incident raises concerns about potential impacts on Zambia’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on wildlife experiences. South Luangwa National Park alone hosts thousands of international visitors annually, contributing significantly to local economies and conservation efforts.
Industry experts stress that fatal encounters remain exceptionally rare relative to the number of tourists participating in safari activities. They advocate for continued education about wildlife behavior and strict adherence to safety guidelines rather than avoiding these experiences entirely.
Local authorities are coordinating with the British High Commission and New Zealand Embassy in Lusaka to arrange repatriation of the victims’ remains to their respective countries.
The park remains open to visitors, though officials have reminded tourists to maintain vigilance and strictly follow safety instructions provided by guides and park authorities.
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Image credit:
Elephants crossing the Lower Zambezi. Photo by Hans Hillewaert, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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