Two female tourists, one hailing from Britain and the other from New Zealand, were tragically killed by a charging elephant while they were on safari in Zambia, according to reports from local police. The attack occurred when the tourists, part of a guided group, were walking near a female elephant with her calf. Local police chief Robertson Mweemba disclosed that efforts by tour guides to intervene by firing shots at the elephant were unsuccessful, leading to the unfortunate trampling of both women who died at the scene.
The tourists had been staying at the Big Lagoon Camp, approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Lusaka, for four days prior to the incident. Zambian authorities have previously warned safari-goers about the protective nature of female elephants, especially when they are with young calves. In addition, there have been prior incidents of fatal attacks by elephants in the region, including two separate incidents last year involving American tourists who were attacked while inside safari vehicles.
The Foreign Office has been contacted for further comments related to this tragic event. These incidents highlight the importance of exercising caution while observing wildlife to ensure the safety of both tourists and local fauna.
