80-year-old US woman killed by aggressive elephant during safari in Zambia

Published: 04 April 2024 at 11:44

Travel

An 80-year-old American woman died after an aggressive elephant charged at the vehicle she was in during a safari at Kafue National Park in Zambia. The elephant flipped the car, causing fatal injuries to the woman and minor injuries to others. The incident is under investigation by authorities, and the victim's remains will be repatriated to the US. Concerns about increasing elephant populations and deadly attacks have been raised by Zambia's neighbors, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

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American tourist killed by bull elephant on safari in Zambia

An 80-year-old American tourist was killed by a bull elephant during a safari in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Another female guest was injured in the incident. The group's vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the elephant while on a safari from Lufupa Camp. The guide's attempt to move the vehicle was hindered by terrain and vegetation. Wilderness CEO expressed condolences and support for those involved in the tragic incident.

Botswana Threatens to Send 20,000 Elephants to Germany Over Hunting Trophy Dispute

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi is considering sending 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to the European country's potential limits on importing hunting trophies. Masisi argues that hunting helps control the exploding elephant population in Botswana, which has caused damage to crops and property, emphasizing the economic impact of restrictions. Despite Botswana banning trophy hunting in 2014 and later lifting restrictions in 2019, the country faces challenges from overpopulation. Germany, a major importer of African elephant trophies in the EU, is discussing stricter rules, prompting Masisi's strong stance on the issue.

Botswana Threatens to Send 20,000 Elephants to Germany Over Trophy Hunting Dispute

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi expressed intent to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to Germany considering restrictions on trophy imports, citing concerns over poaching and population control. Botswana, home to 130,000 elephants, lifted a trophy hunting ban in 2019 due to pressure from local communities. Masisi criticized Western interference in wildlife management, highlighting the conflict between conservation efforts and local livelihoods. Animal rights groups support Germany's proposed limits on trophy imports, emphasizing the financial disparities in hunting revenue distribution. The Berlin environment ministry confirmed ongoing discussions with African nations, including Botswana, on sustainable and legal hunting trophy imports.

Plans for UK ban on animal hunting trophies to return to Commons

The UK Commons will debate a proposed ban on importing lion, elephant, and zebra hunting trophies, with Labour MP John Spellar leading the push despite opposition from African nations citing funding for anti-poaching efforts. The ban aims to prohibit body parts of animals hunted for sport from entering the UK, following failed attempts in 2021 and 2022. Botswana's President condemned the proposed ban, defending trophy hunting as a means of wildlife control and community income. The debate raises concerns about conservation, ethics, and cultural implications surrounding trophy hunting.

Bus Crash in South Africa Kills Over 40 People

A bus with a Botswanan registration plate veered off a bridge in South Africa, resulting in the deaths of over 40 people, leaving only one survivor, an eight-year-old girl. The incident occurred near Mamatlakala in Limpopo province while the bus was transporting passengers from Botswana to an Easter weekend church service in Moria. The driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to catch fire post-crash. Rescue operations were challenging due to bodies being burnt beyond recognition and trapped in the debris.

Bus Crash in South Africa Kills 45, Leaving Eight-Year-Old Girl as Sole Survivor

A bus carrying 46 passengers plunged off a bridge into a ravine near Johannesburg, South Africa, killing 45 individuals while an eight-year-old girl survived with serious injuries. The incident occurred on the way from Botswana to Moria for an Easter festival. South African authorities have promised a full inquiry into the crash, with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga offering condolences and support to Botswana. The search operations at the crash site are ongoing, with concerns about identifying bodies due to the flames.

Bus crash in South Africa kills 45 passengers with an 8-year-old survivor

A bus crash in South Africa claimed the lives of 45 people as the bus plunged off a bridge near Mokopane village in Limpopo, catching fire on impact; the only survivor, 8-year-old Atlang Siako, will be discharged and return to Botswana after the accident on the way to an Easter pilgrimage for Zion Christian Church followers.

Kafue National Park (Wikipedia)

Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia, covering an area of about 22,400 km2 (similar in size to Wales or Massachusetts). It is the second largest national park in Africa and is home to 152 different species of mammals. There are also 515 bird species, 70 reptile species, 58 species of fish and 36 amphibious species.The park is named for the Kafue River. It stretches over three provinces: North Western, Central and Southern. The main access is via the Lusaka–Mongu Road from Lusaka to Mongu which crosses the park north of its centre. Seasonal dirt roads also link from Kalomo and Namwala in the south and south-east, and Kasempa in the north.