Lion attacks safari walkers, kills guide in Zimbabwe

A professional wildlife guide was on Monday killed by a lion in Hwange National Park of Zimbabwe where the death of a black-maned lion pride leader stirred international outcry to regulate trophy hunting around African lions' prime conservation areas.

In a statement Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said 40-year-old Quinn Swales was attacked and killed by a collared lion while on a walking safari with six foreign guests.

Quinn is said to have spotted fresh lion spoor and decided to track a pride of lions consisting two females, two cubs and two males. It is during this time that the lion known as Nxaha jumped at Quinn and mauled him to death.

"All efforts to save Quinn were in vain," the Parks Authority said.

Lions are usually collared by researchers who follow them to study the impact of environmental changes and human activities have on the African big cat's survival.

Last month, another collared lion, Cecil, with its signature black-mane, was illegally killed by American dentist Walter Palmer near Hwange. Cecil's death sparked global online outrage and the Zimbabwe government has asked the United States to extradite Palmer to Zimbabwe to face justice.

According to authorities, Zimbabwe is home to roughly 2,000 lions. About 400 roam around the Hwange area in the country's northwest, bordering Botswana. Endit