A safari guide was killed by a lion in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park in 2015 while protecting a group of tourists during a photographic walking expedition. Quinn Swales, 40, died after the lion charged and inflicted fatal bites to his shoulder and neck.
Incident Details
According to a statement from the company operating camps in the reserve, Swales had explored the park numerous times. The group of seven, including six tourists, was walking along the perimeter of an open area when they encountered a pride of lions. An adult male lion rose from resting and advanced toward them.
Swales responded calmly, directing the group to position themselves behind him and remain still. He and the group discharged a "bear banger," a device that produces a loud sound, causing the lion to withdraw temporarily. However, the lion returned and attacked Swales.
Heroic Actions
The statement said: "Quinn bore the full brunt of the charge and, unable to fire his rifle due to the speed of the attack, literally stopped the lion attacking his group by placing himself directly in harm's way." Swales suffered bites to his shoulder and neck and died at the scene. The tourists' screams and commotion eventually scared the lion away, allowing them to summon help.
Previous Tragedy
Hwange National Park had seen another tragedy earlier that year when Cecil the lion, a 13-year-old favorite, was killed in what was believed to be an illegal hunt. American trophy hunter Walter Palmer tracked the lion with an arrow and later killed it with a gun. The killing sparked global condemnation, protests, and criminal proceedings, though Palmer was acquitted of all charges.
Park Safety
Despite these incidents, Camp Hwange is considered safe if visitors follow regulations. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority emphasizes staying in vehicles, complying with driving curfews, keeping a safe distance from animals, and avoiding feeding wildlife.
