A British woman and a New Zealander have been tragically killed after being charged by an elephant while on safari in Zambia.
The victims, named by police as 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the UK and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand, were attacked by a female elephant protecting her calf at around 6.20am local time on June 3 in South Luangwa National Park.
According to Eastern Province police commissioner Robertson Mweemba, the women had been walking with armed guides towards a river crossing when the elephant suddenly charged.
Despite efforts by guides to stop the charging elephant by firing warning shots, both women died at the scene.They suffered multiple fractures and deep wounds. The elephant was injured but survived, according to Zambian police.
Both women were on a tour organised by safari company Wilderness Zambia when the fatal encounter occurred.
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, home to large populations of elephants, lions and leopards. While armed guides routinely accompany walking safaris, deadly incidents remain rare.
Female elephants are known to be particularly protective over their calves. Just two months ago, a South African woman was trampled to death by elephants at South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Last year in Zambia, an American tourist died when an elephant attacked a truck at Kafue National Park.
