A 22-year-old Spanish tourist, Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, lost her life in a tragic elephant attack while visiting Yao Yai Island in southwestern Thailand, according to local reports.
Ms. Garcia, a student traveling with her boyfriend, was fatally injured while bathing an elephant at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre. Witnesses said she moved in front of the animal, which then gored her with its tusk. Despite efforts to assist her, she succumbed to her injuries.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with elephant tourism. Experts suggest that stress caused by repeated interactions with visitors may have influenced the animal’s behavior.
Elephant bathing is a popular activity in Thailand, promoted by many elephant care centers. While the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre emphasizes responsible practices, such as avoiding hooks or other controlling devices, the dangers of close interaction with these large animals persist.
Pinoalbar Development School, where Ms. Garcia had studied, expressed its sorrow, sharing a tribute to her memory on social media: “Always in our hearts, dear Blanca.”
Wild elephant attacks are more common in Thailand, with 240 fatalities reported over the past 12 years, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. In 2024 alone, 39 people were killed in such incidents, typically attributed to wild elephants encroaching on human settlements due to habitat loss.
Thailand is home to approximately 4,000 wild elephants, many of which live in national parks, sanctuaries, and reserves. The tragedy underscores the need for ongoing evaluation of safety measures and ethical practices in wildlife tourism.
