A tourist was killed by an elephant while bathing it at a sanctuary in Thailand.

Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year-old law and international relations student from the University of Navarra, was living out her dream of studying abroad in Taiwan. She was excited to immerse herself in a new culture and explore the beautiful country. Little did she know, her journey would come to a tragic end in Thailand.

While visiting the popular Koh Yao Elephant Care & House, a sanctuary known for its interactions with tourists, Blanca was washing one of the gentle giants when it suddenly turned violent. The elephant, under immense stress from living outside of its natural habitat, attacked Blanca with its tusks.

Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence in Thailand, where washing and bathing with elephants is a popular tourist activity. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes and exotic wildlife, but it's important to remember that these animals are not meant to be domesticated and can become agitated in unfamiliar environments.

Blanca's hometown of Valladolid, located 200 miles away from Pamplona, was left in shock by the news of her passing. A respected local paper revealed that she came from a military family and her boyfriend, who was with her at the time of the attack, was a soldier. The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed the tragic news and offered their condolences to Blanca's loved ones.

The incident took place on the idyllic Ko Yao Yai, a Thai island known for its stunning beaches, mangroves, and fishing villages. It's a popular destination for tourists, but it's important to remember that these animals are still wild and should be treated with caution and respect.

Sadly, this is not the first time a Spanish tourist has been killed by an elephant while on vacation. In July, a man from Ejea de los Caballeros was trampled to death by an elephant while on a safari in South Africa. The heartbreaking incident happened when the man left the safety of his vehicle to take a photo of a group of elephants. It serves as a reminder that when we are in the presence of wild animals, we must always follow safety protocols and not take unnecessary risks.

As the investigation into Blanca's death continues, we must remember to respect the boundaries of these beautiful creatures and their natural habitats. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.

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