An 80-year-old American tourist died following an elephant attack during a safari tour in Zambia’s Kafue National Park on March 30. The incident involved a bull elephant charging at the vehicle carrying the tourist, identified as Gail Mattson, alongside five other guests and a guide. A video capturing the attack shows the vehicle being targeted by the elephant, leading to one fatality, one hospitalization, and four minor injuries among the group. The guide attempted to evade the elephant but found his path blocked.

Wilderness Safaris, the company operating the tour, has extended condolences to Mattson’s family and is coordinating efforts to repatriate her remains to the United States. The occurrence has raised discussions around the risks associated with wildlife tourism, especially considering the behavior of bull elephants during musth, a period marked by increased aggression.

Local authorities, in collaboration with the US embassy, are addressing the implications of the tragedy. Investigations are ongoing, with the tourism and conservation sectors observing closely to reinforce safety standards and promote responsible wildlife encounters.