A safari guide has been mauled to death as he saved tourists from a charging lion in the same national park where big cat Cecil lived.
Quinn Swales, 40, was taking six guests on a walking trip in Hwange National Park at dawn yesterday when he was attacked by a male known as Nxaha.
He managed to protect his group, but died of his injuries.
The killing last month of 13-year-old lion Cecil, by an American hunter, dentist Walter Palmer, was met with global outrage and triggered a backlash against Africa’s hunting industry.
Today Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said Mr Swales “spotted fresh lion spoor and decided to track a pride of lions consisting two females, two curbs and two males.
“Nxaha jumped out at Quinn. All efforts to save Quinn were in vain.”
His employer, Camp Hwange, said: “It is with deep regret and great sadness that we are able to confirm the death of Quinn Swales.
"Quinn did everything he could to successfully protect his guests and ensure their safety, and no guests were injured.”
Shelley Cox, of safari company African Bush Camps, added: “Quinn’s actions are heroic and reminiscent of his outstanding guiding skills, experience and training.
"It is a tragedy and a loss to the guiding fraternity and tourism industry.”
The last picture Mr Swales posted on Facebook, on August 10, was of Cecil.
Police are investigating. It it was not clear whether Mr Swales from Harare, was armed.
Local guides said he would have been carrying a hunting rifle of at least .375mm calibre.
Parks agency spokeswoman Caroline Washaya-Moyo said no decision had been made on whether to shoot Nxaha.
The agency added that the lion had been collared — like Cecil, who was being studied as part of an Oxford University project when he was killed.
Zimbabwe wants to extradite Palmer, of Minnesota, over the killing of Cecil, who was shot with a bow and arrow then tracked for more than 40 hours before being killed with a rifle.
Palmer claims he relied on his professional guides to ensure the hunt was legal.
Hunt leader Theo Bronkhorst denies failing to prevent an illegal hunt and his trial is due to resume next month.
