Lusaka, July 4, (dpa/GNA) – An adult elephant has attacked and fatally injured two women in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, local authorities said on Friday.
The women, a 67-year-old New Zealander and a 68-year-old Briton, were travelling on foot in the bush accompanied by an armed game ranger, a police spokesman said.
They had seen a female elephant with her calf at a river crossing and wanted to retreat by another route. However, the animal attacked the group despite the game ranger firing warning shots.
Both women suffered broken bones and injuries from the animal’s tusks during the attack.
African elephants are the largest land mammals on earth. Females, which can grow up to three metres tall and weigh up to 4.6 tons, can react aggressively if they believe their young are in danger.
In many African national parks and protected areas, tourists are only allowed to travel in vehicles to avoid dangerous encounters with wild animals.
However, in locations where it is offered, a walk through the bush and savannah is considered an exceptional natural experience.
GNA