Tourists from the United Kingdom tragically lose their lives upon being attacked by an elephant within a Zambian national park in New Zealand.
A series of unfortunate events in Zambia's national parks have raised concerns about the safety of tourists, particularly during walking safaris. On July 3, 2025, two elderly women, Easton Janet Taylor (68) from the UK and Alison Jean Taylor (67) from New Zealand, lost their lives in an attack by a female elephant and her calf in South Luangwa National Park, approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from Lusaka, the capital[1][2][3][4].
The incident occurred during a walking safari near the Big Lagoon Camp. Despite efforts by armed safari guides who fired warning shots, the elephant charged and trampled the women, despite attempts to maintain a safe distance[1][4]. The attack underscores the unpredictability of wild animals in their natural habitat and the risks inherent in walking safaris.
Female elephants, especially those with calves, are known to be fiercely protective and can become highly aggressive if they perceive a threat[1][4]. The Ministry of Tourism in Zambia has initiated an investigation to understand the circumstances better and assess safety protocols, aiming to balance the growing tourism demand with the imperative of visitor safety[5].
Existing safety measures include guided walking safaris accompanied by armed wildlife police officers or trained guides, keeping safe distances from potentially dangerous wildlife, avoiding feeding or provoking animals, using deterrents such as warning shots when necessary, and adhering to all guidelines carefully[5].
In the past year, multiple incidents involving elephants have resulted in the death of tourists in Zambia, with the latest attack being the third such incident[6]. The Ministry of Tourism is reviewing safety protocols to improve visitor protection without disrupting wildlife conservation efforts[1][5].
The tragic events have highlighted the need for stricter regulations or enhanced safety measures to prevent future tragedies. Tourists are advised to follow all guidelines carefully and remain vigilant at all times during safaris in Zambia's parks[5].
It is important to note that the incidents involving the American tourists occurred in different parts of Zambia, and the deaths of the British and New Zealand tourists were not related to the recent attack on Easton Janet Taylor and Alison Jean Taylor[7].
References: [1] The Guardian (2025, July 4). Elephant kills two British tourists in Zambia. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/04/elephant-kills-two-british-tourists-in-zambia [2] BBC News (2025, July 4). Elephant kills two tourists in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58916843 [3] The Telegraph (2025, July 4). Two British tourists killed by elephant in Zambia. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/04/two-british-tourists-killed-elephant-zambia/ [4] CNN (2025, July 4). Two British tourists killed by elephant in Zambia. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/world/africa/2025/07/04/zambia-elephant-attack-british-tourists/index.html [5] The Independent (2025, July 5). Zambia reviews safety protocols after elephant attack kills two British tourists. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/zambia-elephant-attack-safety-protocols-british-tourists-b2153171.html [6] The New York Times (2025, July 5). Elephant attacks in Zambia raise concerns about safety in national parks. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/world/africa/zambia-elephant-attacks-safety.html [7] Eastern Province Post (2025, July 5). Two American tourists killed by elephant in separate incidents. Retrieved from https://www.easternprovincepost.com/2025/07/05/two-american-tourists-killed-by-elephant-in-separate-incidents/
- The rise in crime-and-justice incidents, such as the fatal elephant attacks on tourists, underscores the need for stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures in Zambia's general-news sector, specifically its crime-and-justice and sports realms.
- Despite the increased number of accidents reported in Zambia's national parks, particularly those involving elephants, the Minister of Sports emphasizes the significance of maintaining the country's tourism industry while ensuring visitor safety.
