A charging elephant killed two female tourists during a safari trip at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. One victim was a British pensioner who died alongside another woman when the massive animal trampled them both. The mother elephant was protecting her baby calf when she rushed toward the walking tour group at high speed. Tour guides fired shots at the angry animal but could not stop her deadly attack. Police chief Robertson Mweemba confirmed both women died at the scene.
The victims had spent four days at Big Lagoon Camp before the tragic incident occurred. The safari lodge sits about 370 miles away from Lusaka, the country's main city. The women were part of a guided walking group when the elephant spotted them and charged forward. Mother elephants become extremely dangerous when they have young babies nearby. Park officials have warned visitors many times about the risks of getting close to wildlife.
Zambian authorities keep telling tourists to stay far away from wild animals during their visits. Female elephants will attack anyone they think might harm their calves. Two American tourists lost their lives last year in separate elephant attacks across the southern African nation. Both elderly Americans were sitting inside safari vehicles when the animals struck them down. The Foreign Office has not responded to requests for comment about the latest deaths.
The victims had spent four days at Big Lagoon Camp before the tragic incident occurred. The safari lodge sits about 370 miles away from Lusaka, the country's main city. The women were part of a guided walking group when the elephant spotted them and charged forward. Mother elephants become extremely dangerous when they have young babies nearby. Park officials have warned visitors many times about the risks of getting close to wildlife.
Zambian authorities keep telling tourists to stay far away from wild animals during their visits. Female elephants will attack anyone they think might harm their calves. Two American tourists lost their lives last year in separate elephant attacks across the southern African nation. Both elderly Americans were sitting inside safari vehicles when the animals struck them down. The Foreign Office has not responded to requests for comment about the latest deaths.
