Safari guide Quinn Swales killed protecting tourists in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park

In 2015, 40‑year‑old Quinn Swales was leading a photographic walking tour for six tourists in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. When a pride of lions approached the group, Swales briefed the guests, directed them to stay behind him and used a loud‑making "bear banger" to deter the animals. The lion briefly retreated but returned and charged, and Swales placed himself directly in the animal’s path, preventing it from reaching the tourists. He sustained severe bites to his shoulder and neck and died at the scene.

The incident saved the lives of the seven tourists, who were able to call for help after the lion was driven off by their screams. Hwange National Park had earlier that year been in the international spotlight when Cecil the lion, a well‑known resident, was illegally killed, underscoring the park’s recent history of high‑profile wildlife incidents.