Elephants Kill Two Tourists in Zambia

Two women: a 68-year-old British citizen, and her 67-year-old New Zealand relative, were killed by a charging elephant on Thursday July 3, 2025, while on a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.

According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, the victims were Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand. They were attacked by a female elephant with a calf while walking with a guided group between safari camps near Big Lagoon Camp, roughly 600 kilometres from Lusaka.

“They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind. We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors,” Mr Mweemba said.

Police reported that safari guides attempted to stop the elephant by firing shots, hitting and wounding the animal, but the effort failed. “They both died on the spot,” he added.

Mr Mweemba also said the group had spotted the elephant at a distance and diverted approximately 50 metres before the elephant charged.

“Within a few minutes after diverting, [the armed officer] who is usually behind, saw the elephant charging at them,” he said. “He shouted, ‘Elephant’. As they turned to see, they saw it charging at a high speed and, due to the fact that Alison Jean Taylor had a leg problem, she was caught first and, while the wildlife police officer fired warning shots, Easton Janet Taylor was caught as well.”

Alison Taylor had reportedly undergone a hip operation prior to the trip.

The Zambian Ministry of Tourism confirmed the deaths and said an investigation is underway.

“A full investigation is currently under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the ministry said in a statement. “The ministry is working closely with relevant authorities, including the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, to ensure a thorough review is done.”

The statement expressed condolences and urged caution for visitors engaging in wildlife experiences:

“Zambia’s national parks are globally renowned for offering exceptional and authentic wildlife experiences. However, we wish to remind all visitors that these experiences take place in wilderness settings where wildlife behaves unpredictably. As such, we urge all guests to exercise caution and strictly follow the safety guidelines provided by their tour guides and escort scouts at all times.”

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife added that it is taking steps to “reinforce safety standards conducted by tour operators, and to enhance response time and procedures.”

Mr Mweemba noted that “it is very difficult to control the animals and tourists like feeding them,” and warned that female elephants are particularly protective of their young.

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate elephant attacks in Zambia. Both incidents involved elderly visitors inside safari vehicles.

The British Foreign Office confirmed it was supporting the family of one of the victims and liaising with local authorities. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the High Commission in Pretoria was providing consular assistance “following this tragic event.