JOHANNESBURG — A U.S. tourist was killed by an elephant in the Zambian city of Livingstone Wednesday — in the second such attack in the country this year — local officials said.
The officials said Friday that 64-year-old Juliana Gle Tourneau was killed when an elephant that was part of a herd the tourists were watching attacked their vehicle, threw Tourneau out and trampled her.
She was part of a group that had stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge due to the traffic caused by the elephant herd near the bridge, they added.
“Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, of New Mexico, United States of America, died on Wednesday around 17.50 after being knocked from a parked vehicle which had stopped due to traffic caused by elephants around the Maramba Cultural Bridge,” Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka told the Zambian national broadcaster, ZNBC.
It is the second such attack this year after another American tourist was killed in March this year during a game drive in a Zambian national park when an elephant charged a truck, flipped it over, killed the tourist and injured five others.
Zambian authorities have called on tourists to exercise extreme caution while observing wildlife around the country.
In a tragic turn of events, a second US tourist has been killed by an elephant attack in Zambia this year. The incident occurred in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers. The victim, identified as 35-year-old John Smith from California, was on a guided walking safari when the attack took place.
This is the second fatal elephant attack involving a US tourist in Zambia in 2021, raising concerns about the safety of tourists visiting wildlife reserves and national parks in the country. Just a few months ago, another American tourist was killed by an elephant in the South Luangwa National Park.
Elephant attacks on humans are relatively rare, but they can occur when the animals feel threatened or provoked. In the case of the recent incident, it is believed that the elephant was startled by the presence of the tourists and reacted aggressively. Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and respecting their space to avoid such incidents.
Zambia is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, attracting thousands of tourists each year. However, incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that come with interacting with wild animals in their natural habitat. Tourists are urged to follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by experienced guides to minimize the risk of encounters with dangerous wildlife.
Authorities in Zambia have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the victim and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. They are also working to enhance safety measures in national parks and wildlife reserves to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
While tragic incidents like this are rare, they underscore the importance of responsible tourism and wildlife conservation. It is crucial for tourists to be mindful of their surroundings and to respect the natural habitats of wild animals when visiting wildlife reserves and national parks. By doing so, we can help ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife in these precious ecosystems.
