Latest news with #AlisonJeanTaylor


NZ Herald
10-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Family of Kiwi woman killed by elephant on African safari thankful for support
The family of the New Zealander killed by an elephant in Zambia have told RNZ they are thankful for the support they are receiving as they work to bring their loved one home. Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from Porirua, was attacked by a female elephant

1News
09-07-2025
- 1News
Woman killed by elephant remembered as an 'inspiration that we can all do more'
The New Zealander killed by an elephant in Zambia has been remembered as a cheerful and compassionate person. Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from Porirua and 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the UK were attacked by a female elephant last week while walking on a safari in South Luangwa National Park. Taylor lived in Titahi Bay and was the deputy chairwoman for Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Porirua. CAB Porirua said Taylor was "a valued and highly effective volunteer" and would be profoundly missed. "Our thoughts are with Alison's family and friends during this difficult time." ADVERTISEMENT A tribute page on Central Otago Funerals' website remembered Taylor as a loved daughter, sister and aunt, with family spanning from Central Otago to Auckland. The family has asked for privacy. Porirua councillor Geoff Hayward said Taylor was a cheerful, compassionate and helpful person. "I think of her as an inspiration that we can all do more and be more kind in this world." Hayward said it was a tragic situation. The two women were near big Lagoon Bush Camp in South Luangwa National Park when the elephant, which was with its calf, charged at them. Shots were fired at the elephant, wounding the animal and ultimately stopping the attack. ADVERTISEMENT However, Eastern Province Police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed both women died at the scene. Two others travelling with the group were uninjured. A farewell is expected to be held for Taylor on August 15 in Wellington.


NZ Herald
06-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Elephant attack: Zambia Tourism Ministry launches investigation after tourists die, including Kiwi Alison Taylor
Zambia's Ministry of Tourism has launched an investigation into the deaths of two tourists – including Kiwi woman Alison Jean Taylor – in an elephant attack this week. Taylor, 67, died alongside her relative, Easton Janet Taylor, 68, while on safari in Africa on Thursday morning local time. The pair

News.com.au
05-07-2025
- News.com.au
Tourists from New Zealand, UK killed by elephant on African safari
Two tourists have been killed by an elephant while on a walking safari in Zambia. The two women, from New Zealand and the UK, were named as Alison Jean Taylor, 67, and Easton Janet Taylor, 68. Police said they were with a guided safari group in South Luangwa National Park when a female elephant that was with a calf attacked them on Thursday, local time. The elephant was injured by gunshots fired at it in attempt to stop the attack. The women had been staying at the Big Lagoon Camp and were walking to another camp. 'They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind,' local police chief Robertson Mweemba told BBC, adding that they 'both died on the spot'. 'We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors.' The walking group reportedly diverted when they spotted the elephant and calf but within a few minutes, the elephant charged at them at high speed, according to further details provided to the Zambia Daily Mail. A guide shouted 'elephant' but it was too late. Alison had 'a leg problem' and was caught first, Mr Mweemba told the publication. NZ Herald reported the victims were sisters. A neighbour described Alison as an 'amazing, amazing woman'. The Republic of Zambia Ministry of Tourism confirmed authorities were looking into the tragic incident. 'Zambia's national parks are globally renowned for offering exceptional and authentic wildlife experiences,' the ministry said in a statement to New Zealand's 1News. 'However, we wish to remind all visitors that these experiences take place in wilderness settings where wildlife behaves unpredictably. 'Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.' The New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa said it was providing consular assistance, while the British Foreign Office confirmed it was supporting a victim's family. It was only last year that two American tourists were killed by elephants in two separate attacks in Zambia. Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64 was killed while on a safari drive in Livingstone in June, and Gail Mattson, 79, was killed during a game drive in Kafue National Park in March.


Russia Today
04-07-2025
- Russia Today
Elephant rampage kills tourists
Two tourists have died after an elephant attack during a safari in a national park in eastern Zambia, the southern African country's police have said. The incident happened on Thursday inside South Luangwa National Park, about 600km (370 miles) from the capital, Lusaka, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said in a statement published by local media. According to the statement, the tourists, Easton Janet Taylor, 68, from the UK and Alison Jean Taylor, 67, from New Zealand were part of a guided group when the female elephant that was with a calf charged at them. Safari guides accompanying the group had attempted to stop the elephant by firing shots, wounding the animal, but were unable to prevent the attack. Both elderly women died at the scene, the police commissioner stated. Mweemba said the tourists had been staying at Big Lagoon Camp and were walking to Takwela Camp, where they were expected to cross the Luangwa River by canoe. 'They saw it [the elephant] charging at high speed, and because Alison Jean Taylor had a leg problem, she was caught first,' the Zambia Today news agency quoted the police chief as saying. 'While the wildlife police officer fired warning shots, Easton Janet Taylor was caught as well,' he added. The incident is the latest of a series of fatal elephant encounters involving foreign tourists in Zambia. In March 2024, an 80-year-old American woman was killed when a bull elephant charged and overturned a safari vehicle in Kafue National Park. In June, a 64-year-old American tourist was trampled near the Maramba Cultural Bridge in Livingstone while observing a herd from a parked vehicle. Zambia is home to some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in Africa, including the 'Big Five' – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. The landlocked country is endowed with 20 national parks and 36 Game Management Areas, covering roughly 30% of its total land area – one of the largest proportions dedicated to conservation on the continent, according to the Zambian Ministry of Tourism.