Two sisters from the United Kingdom and New Zealand died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a female elephant attacked them during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Police identified the victims as Easton Janet Taylor, 68, from the UK, and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from New Zealand.
According to Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba, the attack came from a female elephant accompanied by her calf.
The sisters were part of a group guided by armed staff when they spotted the elephant and its calf from a distance. The group tried to change their route, but the elephant charged at them.
Reports suggest Alison, who had a leg issue, was the first to be crushed by the elephant.
The guides fired warning shots to scare the animal away. Although the elephant was wounded, it persisted with the attack. Both sisters were declared dead at the scene, while the elephant survived its injuries.
The incident occurred in South Luangwa National Park, located in eastern Zambia, about 370 miles from Lusaka. The park is well known for its large numbers of elephants, lions, and leopards.
Wilderness Zambia, a company operating camps and safaris across Zambia, organized the trip. Although walking safaris in the park are usually led by armed guides for protection, encounters with wildlife can still be dangerous.
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office confirmed that the British government is providing support to the victim’s family.
Female elephants are particularly protective of their young and will aggressively respond to any potential threat.
There have been other cases in Zambia where elephants have attacked older female tourists. Last year, two American women lost their lives in separate incidents involving elephants in other parts of the country. Both were elderly and riding in safari vehicles during the attacks. On June 19 of the previous year, Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed by an elephant while on safari in Zambia.
In another incident in 2024, 79-year-old American tourist Gail Mattson was killed in Kafue National Park when a bull elephant charged her safari vehicle, which carried six guests and a guide. Four other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Officials highlight the challenges of managing wild animals and urge visitors to be cautious while viewing wildlife in national parks.
Park authorities and safari operators must find a balance between offering authentic wildlife encounters and maintaining visitor safety. South Luangwa National Park features both walking and vehicle-based safaris, with the former allowing guests to see wildlife more closely than typical game drives.
Globally, elephants cause roughly 500 deaths each year. Recent incidents in Zambia have sparked conversations about how effective tourist safety measures are during wildlife interactions.
The sisters’ bodies were recovered, and local authorities collaborated with international officials to arrange for their repatriation. The Zambia Department of National Parks & Wildlife is looking into what led to the attack.
Wildlife tourism, including safaris, is vital to the economies of many African countries. However, rising numbers of dangerous encounters with animals may harm the reputation of these destinations and impact the incomes of those who depend on tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that wildlife tourism brings in billions of dollars annually to Africa, with safaris playing a major part. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia especially benefit from this industry.
On the other hand, some believe such tragedies are rare and do not reflect the typical safari experience. The vast majority of safaris are conducted safely, and while elephant attacks are devastating, they are uncommon relative to the total number of tourist visits. Yet the question remains: How can safari tourism continue to provide genuine wildlife experiences while keeping guests safe?