Japanese tourist hospitalised in Zimbabwe elephant attack

A 65-year-old Japanese tourist was seriously injured after being attacked by an elephant while walking near Victoria Falls, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

ZimParks spokesperson Luckmore Safuli confirmed that Hidetoshi Matsumoto, who was staying at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls, was attacked on Wednesday morning along Big Tree Road, a route commonly used by visitors near the famous Big Tree site.

Safuli said the incident occurred around 8am while the tourist was walking alone.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are that… Hidetoshi Matsumoto was alone walking along the Big Tree Road when an elephant emerged from nowhere and attacked him," he said.

The victim sustained serious injuries across his body and was rushed to Health Bridge Private Hospital for treatment, where he remains under medical care.

ZimParks has deployed rangers to track down what it described as a "problem elephant" believed to have been responsible for the attack.

Authorities say further details will be released as investigations continue.

Wildlife officials have repeatedly warned tourists and residents in areas bordering national parks to remain vigilant, noting that elephants and other wild animals often move freely between protected zones and nearby human settlements.