By Carlos Christian
West Mathewson had known the lionesses since they were cubs
A well-known South African conservationist has died after he was mauled by two white lions as he was taking them for a walk.
The wife of West Mathewson, who followed in a car tried to distract the lions, but it was too late.
He ran a popular safari lodge, Lion Tree Top Lodge, in the Limpopo province.
The lionesses have since been moved to another game lodge and are expected to be released into the wild later.
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A lioness became aggressive towards the other and then turned her attention to the conservationist affectionately known as “Uncle West”, reports the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko from Johannesburg.
His relatives have said that Wednesday’s attack could have been the result of very rough play.
The lionesses were tranquillized following the attack and have been taken to an endangered species centre. Read more from UJ City News
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