A terrible accident claimed the life of a safari guide leading a walking tour in Zimbabwe. The 40-year-old man managed to save the tourists when the accident happened in 2015, but he himself died from the injuries sustained.
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Large herds of elephants, lions, and other animals typical of the African continent live in Hwange National Park. Quinn Swales has led tours in this park “many times” during his career, according to the company’s statement.
It explains that a group of seven people was walking along the edge of an open area when they noticed a pride of lions. One adult male rose from where he was lying and began approaching the group. Quinn remained calm when confronted by the lion – this was not his first such situation.
He explained to the guests what kind of animal behavior to expect and instructed them to stand behind him and remain still.
Quinn and the group used a so-called “bear banger” – a device that emits a loud noise, which, according to the camp, causes a strong disturbance. The lion retreated but soon returned and attacked Quinn.
The company’s statement says he did everything he could: “Quinn took the full brunt of the attack and, unable to fire his rifle due to the speed of the assault, literally stopped the lion from attacking his group, consciously putting himself in harm’s way.”
After the lion bit his shoulder and neck, Quinn died at the scene. Only the screams and noise of the terrified tourists finally forced the lion to retreat. Then the tourists were able to call for help.
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However, Hwange National Park had faced tragedies before. It was in this park that the lion Cecil lived, who was killed the same year during what was suspected to be illegal hunting.
The 13-year-old lion, a favorite among tourists, was being monitored as part of a study by Oxford University scientists. He was wounded with an arrow and about 10 hours later was shot by American trophy hunter Walter Palmer.
This killing sparked huge global outrage, protests, and criminal prosecution, although all charges against Palmer were later dropped.
Despite both incidents, “Camp Hwange” is generally considered a safe place if park rules are strictly followed.
Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority emphasizes that visitors must stay in their vehicles, adhere to designated driving time limits, keep a safe distance from animals, and not feed or bait them.
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