Tragic Incident at Thai Elephant Sanctuary Claims Young Tourist's Life

THThailand|

A 22-year-old tourist, Blanca Ojanguren García, tragically lost her life during a visit to the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Thailand. Reports indicate that García was bathing an elephant alongside her boyfriend on January 3 when the animal unexpectedly attacked her, striking her with its trunk. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being rushed to a local hospital.

García was a law and international relations student from Spain's University of Navarra and was living in Taiwan as part of a student exchange program. The university expressed its condolences and requested prayers for her soul. The mayor of Valladolid, her hometown, also extended his sympathies to her family and friends.

The sanctuary's owner explained that García and her boyfriend were among a small group interacting with the elephants, accompanied by several staff members. Experts believe the elephant may have been stressed from close interactions with tourists, contributing to the attack. While elephant encounters are a popular attraction in Thailand, they can sometimes lead to dangerous incidents.

In the past twelve years, there have been 240 fatal incidents involving elephants in Thailand, including 39 last year. Asian elephants are classified as an endangered species, with around 2,800 held in captivity in tourism facilities across the country.

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