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Harare - A safari guide was mauled to death by a lion in Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe on Monday, a lodge in the park announced.
Hwange National Park was home to Cecil the Lion before the animal was killed in an illegal hunt.
The man has been named as Quinn Swales, 40, according to a statement from Camp Hwange.
Swales was leading a group of tourists on a photographic safari when the male lion "unexpectedly charged", the lodge 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," the statement read.
It was posted to the lodge's Facebook page.
"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," it added.
Users of the page have since posted condolences.
Swales's Facebook page said he was from Trelawney in northern Zimbabwe. Tragically the last photo he posted on August 10 was of Cecil the Lion, who was killed by a US dentist on an illegal hunt in Hwange National Park in early July. Cecil's death caused global outrage, reviving questions about big-game hunting and its sustainability in Africa.
Shelley Cox of African Bush Camps wrote: "Quinn's actions in successfully protecting the lives of his guests is heroic and reminiscent of his outstanding guiding skills, experience and training...
"It is certainly a tragedy and a loss to the guiding fraternity and tourism industry."
Camp Hwange said on its official website that all of its guides were "handpicked to the highest standards".
"Experienced in all the disciplines of walking in the wilds of Zimbabwe, your safety being their primary concern, together you will discover the heart-stopping experience of tracking the big game," it added.
