Spanish Woman Killed by Elephant in Thailand

A tragic incident occurred in Thailand when a Spanish woman, Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, was fatally gored by an elephant while bathing it at the Koh Yao Elephant Care center. The elephant, reportedly agitated, pierced her with its tusk, leading to a severe head injury that resulted in her death. This incident has intensified discussions about the ethics and safety of elephant tourism, especially as the wild elephant population in Thailand has drastically declined to around 3,000-4,000 due to habitat loss and poaching. The mahout responsible for the elephant has been charged with negligence, and local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the attack. Organizations like World Animal Protection have long advocated against the exploitation of elephants in tourism, emphasizing their intelligence and the risks of captivity. The incident raises urgent questions about the treatment and management of elephants in tourist settings, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and ethical practices.