In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a 64-year-old American tourist from New Mexico, Juliana Gle Tourneau, was killed by an elephant during a safari in Zambia. The attack occurred when the group she was with stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone due to traffic congestion caused by a herd of elephants.
According to Zambian national broadcaster ZNBC, the elephant approached Tourneau’s vehicle, pulled her out, and trampled her. This marks the second fatal elephant attack involving an American tourist in Zambia this year.
Earlier in March, 79-year-old Gail Mattson from Minnesota was killed in Kafue National Park when an elephant charged and flipped the safari truck she was in, killing her and injuring five others. Mattson’s daughter, Rona Wells, described the incident on Facebook as a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.” A video of that attack, which went viral, showed the elephant charging the vehicle before it overturned multiple times.
Growing Concerns Over Elephant Attacks
The recent increase in elephant attacks has prompted Zambian authorities to urge tourists to exercise extreme caution when observing wildlife. Zambia, along with neighboring countries Zimbabwe and Botswana, has noted a rise in elephant populations, which has led to more frequent and sometimes deadly encounters with humans.
Zimbabwe has similarly experienced an uptick in fatal elephant attacks in recent years. The growing elephant populations in these regions have raised concerns about the safety of both locals and tourists.
Safeguarding Against Wildlife Encounters
Zambia’s wildlife officials have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during safaris and other wildlife activities. Tourists are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and to follow the instructions of their guides at all times to minimize risks.
Tribute to the Victims
Juliana Gle Tourneau’s death has shocked and saddened both her family and the local community. Tributes have poured in, remembering her as an adventurous spirit who loved exploring the natural world. Her tragic death, along with that of Gail Mattson earlier this year, highlights the inherent dangers of wildlife tourism and the need for heightened awareness and precaution.
