Two elderly female tourists were tragically killed by an elephant on Thursday during a walking safari in a Zambian national park in Africa, according to police reports. Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba identified the victims as 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the UK and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand. They were attacked by a female elephant who was with her calf.

Safari guides accompanying the group attempted to deter the charging elephant by firing shots at it, said the police. Despite being hit and injured by the gunfire, the elephant continued its attack. The guides were unable to prevent the assault, resulting in both women dying at the scene, the police confirmed.

The incident occurred at the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, approximately 600 kilometres (370 miles) from the capital, Lusaka.

Female elephants are known for their protective nature towards their calves and can react aggressively to perceived threats.

Last year, two American tourists, also elderly women, were killed in separate incidents involving elephants in different regions of Zambia. In both instances, the tourists were in a safari vehicle when they were attacked.