Image via Shutterstock
A British tourist has reportedly been killed by an elephant while on holiday on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand.
The man, named locally as Gareth Crowe from Scotland, was on an elephant trek with his teenage daughter when he was thrown by the animal, according to local press.
The Bangkok Post said the 36-year-old was trampled on and wounded by the elephant’s tusk on Monday afternoon.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was aware of the incident and was offering consular assistance to the man’s family.
A spokesman said: “We are offering support to the family of a British national who has sadly died following an incident in Koh Samui, Thailand, and are making contact with the local authorities to seek further information.”
The man’s 16-year-old daughter is understood to have been treated in hospital.
The charity World Animal Protection said that while its thoughts were with Mr Crowe’s loved ones, it was a “stark reminder” that elephants were not meant to be ridden.
A spokeswoman told Sky News: “Elephants are cruelly abused to tame them enough so they give rides and perform in shows.
“Most tourists don’t know about these abuses, or the potential danger they put themselves in.
“If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with a wild animal, then the chances are it is cruel and the animal is suffering.”