In a horrifying incident that highlights the unpredictable dangers of wildlife tourism, a 33-year-old Indian tourist and mother-of-one was trampled to death during a violent fight between two elephants at a popular elephant camp in India.
The tragic event unfolded on May 18 at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg, when Tulasi, who had been peacefully watching the animals being washed, became trapped beneath one of the massive creatures as it thrashed on its side in the river. Horrifying footage captured the chaotic scene as the woman was crushed under the front legs of one of the elephants during the savage clash.
Tulasi’s husband, who managed to escape with their baby daughter in his arms, was powerless to rescue his wife from the river as the two elephants continued their fight. Onlookers desperately attempted to free her, but by the time handlers brought the animals under control, Tulasi had succumbed to her injuries.
According to reports, the incident began without warning when a larger tusked elephant charged at a weaker rival. The weaker elephant, a 34-year-old named Marthanda, was knocked to the ground, pinning Tulasi underneath. A trainer riding the larger elephant appeared unable to stop the aggressive attack.
The family had traveled from the coastal city of Chennai for a short two-day holiday. Tulasi was standing nearby when the sudden charge occurred, turning a routine visit into tragedy.
Tragically, the weaker elephant Marthanda also died the following morning despite receiving treatment for her wounds.
In response to the fatal incident, authorities have recommended maintaining a minimum 100-foot (approximately 30-meter) distance between tourists and elephants at such camps. This new guideline means visitors will no longer be permitted to pose for photographs with the animals or feed them — activities that were previously common at the site.
Experts have long warned that even trained elephants can display unpredictable and dangerous behavior, particularly when natural instincts take over during conflicts. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in close encounters with wild animals, no matter how domesticated they may appear.
This tragedy comes just two months after a similar horrifying attack in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, where British tourist Janet Taylor Easton, 67, from Bradford, and her New Zealand cousin Alison Taylor, 67, were trampled to death by an elephant during a sunrise safari. In that case, the animal charged at the group after they encountered it with its calf, resulting in traumatic thoracic injuries for both women.
The deaths of Tulasi and the two tourists in Zambia underscore growing concerns about safety protocols in wildlife tourism. While elephant camps and safaris offer unforgettable experiences, these incidents highlight the critical need for stricter boundaries and heightened awareness of animal behavior to prevent further loss of life.