Latest news with #EastonJanetTaylor
NZ Herald
09-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
New Zealand woman killed by elephant: Alison Taylor, 67, will be ‘profoundly missed', colleagues say
The Wellington woman killed by an elephant in Zambia was a community leader and volunteer, hailed for her dedication to others, and will be farewelled at a ceremony next month. Alison Taylor died aged 67, alongside relative Easton Janet Taylor, 68, while on a safari in the southern African
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- RNZ News
Woman killed by elephant remembered as an 'inspiration that we can all do more'
Alison Taylor was fatally attacked by a female elephant while walking on a safari in Zambia. Photo: Supplied 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 chair 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." 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. 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 15 August in Wellington. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- IOL News
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. 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.
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.
7NEWS
05-07-2025
- 7NEWS
‘Thorough review' underway after charging elephant in Zambia kills New Zealand tourist and British tourist
A 'thorough review' is underway after two female tourists on a walking safari in Zambia were killed by a charging elephant trying to protect her calf. Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims — 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand — were attacked by the female elephant about 6am on Thursday, local time. A full investigation into their death at the South Luangwa National Park is now underway, Zambia's Ministry of Tourism confirmed. 'Zambia's national parks are globally renowned for offering exceptional and authentic wildlife experiences. '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 two women were staying at Big Lagoon Bush Camp in the Zambian national park, about 600km from the nation's capital Lusaka, and were on a safari walk to another part of the camp when the incident occurred. Safari guides, who were with the group, tried to stop the elephant and fired their guns at her, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said. The guides were unable to prevent the elephant's attack and both women died at the scene, police said. The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots. A spokesperson for New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria was providing consular assistance to the family. Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats. Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate encounters with elephants in different parts of Zambia. In both cases, the tourists were also elderly women and were on a safari vehicle when they were attacked. Stream free on
