Spanish Tourist Killed by Elephant While Bathing the Animal in Thailand

A tragic incident unfolded in Thailand as a young Spanish woman lost her life during what should have been a serene encounter with an elephant. The victim, a 22-year-old law and international relations student from Valladolid, Spain, met her untimely demise while engaging in a bathing session with the majestic creature.

Blanca Ojanguren García, whose academic pursuits were based at the University of Navarra, was visiting Koh Yao Elephant Care on January 3 when the tragedy struck. According to reports sourced from Spanish outlets El Mundo and El País, the elephant used its trunk to push García, leading to fatal injuries.

Initial accounts suggested that the animal had gored her, but subsequent clarifications confirmed that neither tusks nor goring were involved in her death. Despite prompt efforts to transport her to a nearby hospital, her injuries proved fatal. 

Eighteen people, including García’s boyfriend, were present during the incident. Miraculously, no one else sustained injuries. The center, which houses three elephants, including the 50-year-old female involved in the occurrence, suspended operations following the event.

Efforts to reach representatives from Koh Yao Elephant Care for further comments were unsuccessful. However, the center's apparent last social media post—a family observing an elephant—underscored the draw such experiences hold for tourists seeking close encounters with wildlife.

The University of Navarra's law faculty expressed profound grief over García’s passing, sharing a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that extended heartfelt condolences and called for prayers. Similarly, Valladolid Mayor Jesús Julio Carnero took to X to offer his sympathies, sharing an image of the young woman as a tribute.

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since coordinated with the family to provide support during this devastating period. García, who was also studying abroad at Tamkang University, was remembered fondly for her bright future and compassionate spirit.

This incident has reignited debates about the ethical implications of wildlife tourism. According to World Animal Protection, approximately 2,800 captive elephants are utilized in tourism ventures across Thailand, with the country also being home to 15% of the world’s remaining wild Asian elephant population.

While many tourists view activities like elephant bathing as benign, critics argue such practices exploit these majestic creatures, removing them from their natural habitats for human amusement. The dialogue has become increasingly urgent, especially as similar incidents occur.

This tragedy follows another fatal elephant attack in December 2024, when a 49-year-old woman was killed at Phu Kradueng National Park. The park later extended condolences to her family, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of interactions with wild animals.