A “thorough review” is underway after two female tourists on a walking safari in Zambia were killed by a charging elephant trying to protect her calf.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims — 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the United Kingdom and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand — were attacked by the female elephant about 6am on Thursday, local time.

A full investigation into their death at the South Luangwa National Park is now underway, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed.

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“Zambia’s national parks are globally renowned for offering exceptional and authentic wildlife experiences,” the ministry said.

“However, we wish to remind all visitors that these experiences take place in wilderness settings where wildlife behaves unpredictably.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”

The two women were staying at Big Lagoon Bush Camp in the Zambian national park, about 600km from the nation’s capital Lusaka, and were on a safari walk to another part of the camp when the incident occurred.

Safari guides, who were with the group, tried to stop the elephant and fired their guns at her, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said.

The guides were unable to prevent the elephant’s attack and both women died at the scene, police said.

The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots.

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria was providing consular assistance to the family.

Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats.

Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate encounters with elephants in different parts of Zambia.

In both cases, the tourists were also elderly women and were on a safari vehicle when they were attacked.