Two sisters from the United Kingdom and New Zealand lost their lives on Thursday, July 3, 2025, following an attack by a female elephant during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
The victims were identified by police as Easton Janet Taylor, 68, from the United Kingdom, and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from New Zealand.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba stated that the women were “attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf.”
The sisters were with a group led by armed guides when they encountered the elephant and its calf from afar. The group attempted to change their route, but the elephant charged.
Reports indicate that Alison, who had difficulty with her leg, was the first to be reached by the elephant.
Guides accompanying the safari fired shots to deter the animal. Although the elephant was injured, it continued its attack. Both women were pronounced dead at the site. The elephant survived the injuries.
The event took place in South Luangwa National Park, situated in eastern Zambia, about 370 miles from Lusaka. The park is recognized for its substantial populations of elephants, lions, and leopards.
The safari was organized by Wilderness Zambia, a company that runs camps and safaris throughout the country. Walking safaris in the park are typically accompanied by armed guides for safety, yet incidents with wildlife can still occur.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the British government is assisting the victim’s family.
Female elephants are known to be highly protective of their calves and will attack perceived threats.
Similar incidents involving elephants and older female tourists have occurred in Zambia previously. Last year, two American women died in separate elephant encounters elsewhere in the country. Both victims were elderly and were traveling in safari vehicles during the attacks. Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, from New Mexico, was killed by an elephant during a safari drive in Zambia on June 19 last year.
Another similar event happened in 2024 when 79-year-old American tourist Gail Mattson was killed at Kafue National Park. A bull elephant charged her safari vehicle, which was carrying six guests and their guide. Four other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Authorities note the difficulty in controlling wild animals and advise tourists to remain vigilant when observing wildlife in national parks.
Park officials and safari companies face the challenge of balancing authentic wildlife experiences with guest safety. South Luangwa National Park offers both walking and vehicle-based safaris, with walking safaris providing closer encounters with wildlife than traditional game drives.
Elephants are responsible for approximately 500 fatalities annually worldwide. The incidents in Zambia have sparked discussions about the adequacy of safety protocols for tourists during wildlife interactions.
The bodies of the two women were recovered, and local authorities are coordinating with international officials to repatriate them. The Zambia Department of National Parks & Wildlife is investigating the circumstances of the attack.
Wildlife tourism, including safaris, is crucial to the economies of many African nations. However, increasing incidents involving dangerous animals could harm the reputation of these destinations and affect the livelihoods of those reliant on tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), wildlife tourism in Africa generates billions of dollars each year, with safaris contributing significantly. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia are major beneficiaries of this industry.
Conversely, some argue that these incidents are rare and not representative of the typical safari experience. Most safaris are conducted safely, and while elephant attacks are tragic, they remain uncommon within the broader context of safari tourism. However, the issue remains: How can safari tourism maintain authentic wildlife encounters while ensuring guest safety?
