Story Highlights
- A video went viral over the weekend showing tourists being attacked by a wild elephant in Zambia’s Kafue National Park.
- An American tourist was tragically killed by an elephant during a safari in Africa, leading to her son’s support for the animal.
- 80-year-old Gail Mattson from Minnesota passed away after being attacked by an elephant in Kafue National Park.
Son’s Support for the Elephant
Blake Vetter, the son of Gail Mattson, expressed his understanding and support for the elephant and the safari driver involved in the incident. He mentioned that his mother would have defended them if she were alive.
“She was really looking forward to this, and she also knew there were risks and that anytime something could happen,” Vetter told Daily Mail. “People want to blame the elephant and the driver. It’s awful how people don’t know what’s going on. The elephant was being an elephant. My mom would be the first to defend the driver and the elephant.”
Details of the Incident
A video capturing the tourists’ encounter with the elephant circulated online, showcasing the dangerous situation in Kafue National Park. The incident resulted in the unfortunate death of Gail Mattson and injuries to six other tourists who were promptly taken to a nearby hospital.
The CEO of Wilderness Zambia issued a statement offering condolences to Mattson’s family. The statement highlighted the guides’ training and experience but noted that the challenging terrain hindered the guide’s ability to move the vehicle away from danger swiftly.
One international client was killed by the elephant during the safari, while two others sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment in Lusaka.
Full details are awaited from the safari operator through the Senior Warden of the Kafue Region.
