The Livingstone Tourism Association has reacted to the report on a elephant attack that led to the death of an American Tourist in Zambia.
The Association said it is necessary to correct some of the wildly inaccurate reporting that has been in the press since the Incident occured.
Staun Wheeler, Chairman, Livingstone Tourism Association in a statement issued denied the media reports that the American Tourist was attacked by the elephant inside a vehicle describing such as misleading.
The statement reads ” Livingstone Tourism Association would like to offer Condolences to the family of the tourist killed by an elephant In Livingstone last week. This was a tragic occurrence.
“However, we feel it is necessary to correct some of the wildly inaccurate reporting that has been in the press since the Incident. Below are the actual facts, as confirmed by both eye witnesses, and by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management.
“A group of tourists were returning from an activity near the Victoria Falls, in 2 self drive vehicles. Upon seeing the large breeding herd of elephants that often frequent the elephant corridor within the Mosi oa Tunya National Park at the Maramba River bridge, they parked their vehicles.
“Six of the nine tourists exited the vehicles, and walked through the bush towards the elephants to take photographs.
” Following an initial mock charge, an elephant follawed through with an attack, and unfortunately one tourist was killed.
“The false media reports that the elephants actually attacked the tourist in the vehicle are misieading, and frankly, irresponsible.
“No tourism guides were involved, and the sad reality is that the guest died as a result of a breach of National Park regulations regarding leaving your vehicle in a wildlife area.
” This is terribly sad and unfortunate, but this occurred in a wilderness area where wild elephants abound, and such actions have consequences.
“Tourism companies, in collaboration with National Parks are upgrading signage on this section, to clarify clearly that it is a wildlife corridor, and that people should under no circumstances leave their vehicles.
“The LTA continues to strive for excellent safety procedures through the quality of its membership, both for the safety of tourists and of our precious wildlife resource.
“We stress that should tourists wish to approach wildlife, they should do so only with a Ted and licenced tour operator” statement concludes
