Two elderly female tourists were killed on Thursday during a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park after being attacked by a female elephant with a calf, according to police.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba identified the victims as 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand.
Police said safari guides accompanying the group attempted to stop the elephant by firing at it, wounding the animal. However, they were unable to prevent the attack, and both women died at the scene.
The incident occurred roughly 600 kilometers (370 miles) east of the capital, Lusaka.
Female elephants are known to be extremely protective of their young and may respond aggressively to perceived threats.
This tragedy follows two separate fatal incidents last year, in which elderly American tourists were killed by elephants while on safari vehicles in other parts of Zambia.
