Two tourists were killed by a charging elephant while on safari in Zambia Thursday. Easton Taylor, 68, and Alison Taylor, 67, were attacked by a female elephant with a calf by her side at the South Luangwa National Park.
According to local police Chief Robertson Mweemba, the women were trampled to death by the nursing elephant after tour guides fired shots at the elephant. The women died at the scene. The women had been part of a guided safari tour who had been walking in the park when the mother elephant charged at full speed.
The elephant was hit and wounded by gunshot.
Female elephants are extremely protective of their calves, and Zambia authorities have previously warned tourists to exercise extreme caution when observing wild life. Since tourists have been feeding the wildlife for years, it is difficult to control the behavior of the wild animals.
Every safari includes an element of danger, and while it can’t be anymore exciting than watching wild animals in their own habitats, the four most dangerous animals to avoid encounters with are elephants, lions, buffalo and hippos. (Alligators if you are near water)
Guides and safari operators stress basic precautions. General guidelines include the following:
- If you are on foot:
1.Try and stay downwind from the animal.
2. Make sure you are not in the way of the animal’s escape route.
3. Walk away slowly.
Don’t walk around at night.
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