British Woman Killed by Charging Elephant on Safari in Zambia

• A British woman was killed by an elephant on safari.
• The incident occurred at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
• Guides attempted to shoot at the elephant to prevent the attack.
• Both victims were elderly women, one from New Zealand.
• This follows previous similar fatalities in Zambia and Thailand.

British tourist killed during safari in Zambia

A British woman was tragically one of two individuals killed by an elephant during a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. The police report indicates that the victims, who were part of a group of tourists, were attacked by a female elephant that was accompanied by a calf. This incident underscores the dangers of wildlife interactions, especially when animals are protecting their young.

Guides attempted to intervene but failed

According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, safari guides attempted to deter the charging elephant by firing warning shots. Despite their efforts, it seems that the shots fired did not stop the female elephant, which proceeded to charge at the two women. Sadly, both the elderly British woman and her companion, a New Zealand national, lost their lives at the scene when the incident occurred on Thursday.

Similar tragic incidents with elephants reported

Such encounters with elephants are not uncommon, with records indicating that two American tourists were also killed in separate incidents last year while on safari in Zambia. The first victim, 64-year-old Juliana Gle Tourneau, was attacked after stepping out of her vehicle near the Maramba Cultural Bridge. In a separate case, 79-year-old Gail Mattson was fatally injured when an elephant charged her safari truck, causing it to overturn and injuring five others.

In summary, the tragic death of the British woman on her safari highlights the inherent risks associated with wildlife tourism. Elephants, known for their protective nature, can become aggressive when perceiving threats to their young. Prior incidents, including two in Zambia last year, emphasize the need for caution during such excursions.