Guide killed by lion while saving tourists
On Monday (Aug 24), Mr Quinn Swales was tracking lions while at the walking safari at the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
The experienced 40-year-old guide had taken guests and tourists with him on this particular expedition.
He was trying to help them capture pictures of the lions at dawn.
Mr Swales had spotted fresh lion footprints and decided to track a pride of two females, two males and two cubs, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said in a statement.
Mirror UK reported that while the group was walking, a male lion then suddenly and unexpectedly charged at the group.
Mr Swales was mauled to death by the lion in an effort to save his guests and tourists.
According to the Washington Post, Mr Swales' employer Camp Hwange — a small safari company that specialises in walking tours in the park, which covers a wide area of northwestern Zimbabwe — released a statement on the Facebook page expressing their sorrow over their loss.
It said: "It is with deep regret and great sadness that we are able to confirm the death of Quinn Swales, a Camp Hwange Professional Guide, who was fatally mauled by a male lion whilst out on a walking safari this morning."
It described Mr Swales as a fully qualified and experienced Zimbabwe Professional Guide.
"We can confirm that Quinn did everything he could to successfully protect his guests and ensure their safety, and that no guests were injured in the incident.
"Unfortunately, Quinn passed away this morning as result of the injuries sustained at the scene."
The statement ended by saying that the company would like to express their deepest sympathies to all of Mr Swales' family.
CNN reported that the park where Mr Swales was killed was where Zimbabwe's most famous lion, Cecil, lived.
Cecil prompted an uproar in July when he was killed by American dentist-hunter Walter Palmer, who was crucified for causing the iconic lion's death.
The last picture that Mr Swales had posted on his Facebook page on Aug 10, was of Cecil (below).
Source: Washington Post, Mirror UK, CNN, Facebook
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