US Woman, 80, Killed in Elephant Attack During Safari Drive in Zambia
An 80-year-old woman from the United States tragically lost her life in a harrowing elephant attack during a safari drive in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, according to local officials.
The distressing incident unfolded on Saturday, when a large and aggressive elephant charged at the vehicle carrying six occupants, flipping it over multiple times. Keith Vincent, CEO of the safari group, explained that the vehicle became “blocked” by the terrain, rendering it unable to maneuver away from the path of the charging elephant.
Despite the efforts of the safari group and emergency responders, the elderly woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed to her injuries. Plans are underway to repatriate her remains to the United States in the coming days. Additionally, four other guests sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving trauma counseling, while one woman was transported to a hospital in South Africa for further treatment.
Authorities, including the police and the department of national parks and wildlife, have initiated investigations into the tragic incident. Mr. Vincent expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasizing the safari group’s commitment to supporting all those affected by the distressing event.
According to Mr. Vincent, the vehicle had come to a halt due to challenging terrain and dense vegetation, leaving it vulnerable to the unexpected encounter with the elephant. This unfortunate incident underscores the inherent risks associated with wildlife encounters during safari drives, even under the supervision of experienced guides.
The incident has reignited concerns about escalating elephant populations in neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Botswana. Both nations have reported instances of deadly elephant attacks in recent years, highlighting the complex coexistence between humans and wildlife in these regions.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging visitors to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols when embarking on wildlife excursions to ensure the well-being of both tourists and the local wildlife population.
Safety measures for safari drives in Zambia include:
- Listening to the guide’s instructions and following the rules of the park.
- Respecting wild animals and keeping a safe distance.
- Only leaving the vehicle where it is safe to do so during self-drive safaris.
- Practicing common sense, such as not standing up or dangling arms or legs out of the vehicle, watching out for low-hanging branches, and not interfering with the animals.
- Not smoking on the safari vehicle due to fire hazards in the dry African bush and potential effects on animals.
- Being prepared for the African climate and potential hazards, such as 4×4 requirements in some areas.
- Familiarizing oneself with local rules of the road and driving on the left-hand side in Africa.
- Avoiding driving at night due to potential hazards from wildlife and road conditions.
- Never walking by oneself in a national park and always going with a guide.
- Following strict safety guidelines for adventurous activities such as white water rafting, canoeing, zip lining, bungee jumping, and walking safaris.
- Driving slowly and within speed limits, especially on rough roads during the wet season.
- Renting a 4WD vehicle for driving on dirt roads, especially during the wet season.
- Ensuring the rental vehicle has the latest GPS map of the region and a printed map for off-road tracks.
- Wearing seat belts for all vehicle passengers and speaking respectfully with officers at roadblocks and police checkpoints.
- Being aware of the speed limits and potential hazards from wandering pedestrians and animals on rural roads.
These safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience in Zambia.
