Two elderly women on a guided walking safari in Zambia were killed when a protective female elephant with a calf charged at them in South Luangwa National Park, police confirmed on Thursday.
According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, 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.
Authorities said the elephant appeared agitated and charged while the group was on foot. Safari guides accompanying the tourists attempted to fire warning shots in an effort to deter the animal but were unsuccessful. The elephant was reportedly hit and injured, but it still managed to fatally attack both women.
The tragic incident occurred in the eastern part of Zambia, around 600 kilometers from the capital, Lusaka. It highlights the dangers of close encounters with wildlife, particularly female elephants, which are known to become highly aggressive when defending their young.
This is not the first time tourists have fallen victim to elephant encounters in Zambia. Last year, two American women were killed in separate incidents involving elephant attacks during safari vehicle tours.
Zambian authorities have not yet released further details pending investigation.
