Two sisters from the United Kingdom and New Zealand died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, following an attack by a female elephant during a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Authorities identified the victims as 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba reported the victims were “attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf.”
The sisters were in a group walking with armed guides when they noticed the elephant and calf from afar. The group attempted to alter their route, but the elephant charged.
Alison, facing leg difficulties, was the first to be reached by the elephant.
Safari guides in the group fired shots in an attempt to deter the animal. Although the elephant was wounded, it persisted in its attack. Both women died at the location, while the elephant survived despite its injuries.
The event took place in South Luangwa National Park, situated in eastern Zambia, about 370 miles from Lusaka. The park is renowned for its large populations of elephants, lions, and leopards.
The safari was arranged by Wilderness Zambia, a company that manages camps and safari tours across the nation. Walking safaris in the park are typically accompanied by armed guides for security, though fatal wildlife incidents still occur.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed that the British government was assisting the victims’ family.
Female elephants are known to be highly protective of their offspring and will attack perceived threats to their young.
Similar incidents involving elephants and older female tourists have previously occurred in Zambia. In the past year, two American women lost their lives in separate elephant encounters while traveling in safari vehicles. Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed by an elephant during a safari drive in Zambia on June 19 last year.
In another incident in 2024, 79-year-old American tourist Gail Mattson was killed at Kafue National Park when a bull elephant charged her safari vehicle. Four other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Officials emphasize the challenge of controlling wild animals and advise tourists to exercise caution in observing wildlife in national parks.
Park officials and safari operators face the challenge of balancing authentic wildlife experiences with ensuring tourist safety. South Luangwa National Park offers both walking and vehicle-based safari tours, with walking safaris bringing tourists closer to wildlife.
Elephants are responsible for approximately 500 fatalities globally each year. The incidents in Zambia have prompted discussions about safety protocols and the adequacy of current measures to protect tourists during wildlife encounters.
The bodies of the sisters were recovered from the site. Local authorities are collaborating with international officials to arrange the repatriation of the bodies. The Zambia Department of National Parks & Wildlife is investigating the details surrounding the incident.
Wildlife tourism, particularly safaris, is crucial to the economies of many African nations. However, the increase in dangerous animal incidents poses a risk to the reputation of these destinations and the livelihoods of those reliant on tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), wildlife tourism in Africa generates billions of dollars annually, with safaris constituting a significant portion. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia are among the leading beneficiaries of this industry.
Some argue that these incidents are rare and do not reflect the usual safari experience. Most safaris are conducted safely, and while elephant attacks are tragic, they remain uncommon in the broader context of safari tourism. Nonetheless, the challenge remains: how can safari tourism provide authentic wildlife encounters while ensuring guest safety?
