LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — On Thursday, two elderly female tourists were killed by an elephant in a Zambian national park while they were on a walking safari, according to authorities.
According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, a female elephant carrying a calf assaulted the victims, Easton Janet Taylor, 68, of the United Kingdom, and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, of New Zealand.
According to authorities, the group’s safari guides fired rounds at the elephant in an attempt to stop it from charging at the women. The gunfire struck and injured the elephant. According to police, both women perished at the spot after the guides failed to stop the elephant’s attack.
It took place approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, in the South Luangwa National Park in the country’s east.
Elephant females can react violently to perceived threats and are fiercely protective of their young.
In separate incidents with elephants in various locations throughout Zambia last year, two American tourists lost their lives. In both instances, the visitors were on a safari vehicle and were also older women when they were attacked.
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