'Blanca Ojanguren García' Spanish Tourist Killed By Elephant In Front Of Boyfriend

A devastating incident occurred on January 3, 2025, when Blanca Ojanguren García, a 22-year-old Spanish student, was killed by an elephant while bathing the animal at the Koh Yao Elephant Care sanctuary on the island of Koh Yao Yai, Thailand. This tragic event unfolded in front of her boyfriend and several other tourists, marking a heartbreaking end to her vacation.

Incident Details

Blanca, originally from Valladolid, Spain, was participating in a popular tourist activity that allows visitors to interact closely with elephants. Reports indicate that during the bathing session, one of the elephants became startled or stressed, leading to a violent reaction. While initial reports suggested she was gored by the elephant's tusks, further clarification from Spanish media confirmed that she was struck by the animal's trunk instead[1][2].

Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to a local hospital, Blanca succumbed to her injuries shortly after the incident. The Koh Yao Elephant Care sanctuary has since closed temporarily, pending further investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Background on Blanca Ojanguren García

Blanca was in Thailand as part of a study abroad program while pursuing a dual degree in Law and International Relations at the University of Navarra. She had been residing in Taiwan for six months as part of an academic exchange at Tamkang University. Her university community expressed deep sorrow over her untimely death, offering condolences and prayers for her family through social media platforms[3][4].

Reactions and Concerns

The news of Blanca's death has sparked widespread shock and grief among her peers and local authorities. The mayor of Valladolid, Jesús Julio Carnero, extended his condolences to her family, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on both Spanish and Thai communities[5][6].

This incident has also raised critical concerns regarding the treatment of elephants in tourism settings. Experts suggest that interactions with tourists can induce stress in these animals, leading to unpredictable behavior. Organizations such as World Animal Protection have long advocated for ethical treatment practices for elephants used in tourism, emphasizing the need for responsible interactions that prioritize animal welfare[7][8].

Conclusion

Blanca Ojanguren García's tragic death serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with wildlife tourism. As investigations continue, there is hope that this incident will prompt discussions about improving safety measures and animal welfare standards within tourist attractions involving elephants.