Ex-Zimbabwe cricketer Guy Whittall escapes death in harrowing leopard attack, saved by pet dog
Published - 25 Apr 2024, 05:35 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:10 AM
Former Zimbabwean cricketer Guy Whittall narrowly escaped death once more after a leopard attack left him injured and requiring emergency surgery. This incident adds to Guy Whittall's history of close encounters, including a previous incident with an eight-foot-long crocodile in 2013.
In September 2013, Guy Whittall survived the eight-foot-long crocodile under his bed at home. Reports suggested the former cricketer had slept through the night with his legs hanging off the bed. Whittall and his father woke up in the morning to find a sleeping crocodile under his bed.
Whittall played 46 Tests and 147 ODIs for Zimbabwe from 1993 to 2003. He scored a total of 4,912 runs across both formats. He took 51 wickets in Tests and 88 in ODIs. Currently, he operates a safari business with his family in Humani, located in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe.
He Is Currently Awaiting Surgery Tomorrow - Hannah Stooks-Whittall
According to reports from his native country of Zimbabwe, Whittall was attacked by a leopard while trekking through the conservancy he manages in Zimbabwe's Humani region. The 51-year-old cricketer's loyal dog, Chikara, also got injured while trying to protect Whittall from the leopard.
Hannah Stooks-Whittall, Guy Whittall's wife, confirmed the incident on Facebook. Hannah credited their dog, Chikara, for helping fend off the leopard, potentially preventing more severe injuries.
"Evening all you special people. Guy and I are overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages of well wishers after guys run in with a wounded leopard earlier today - We are very fortunate that he was stabilized at Hippo Clinic by wonderful staff. He was then Airlifted from Buffalo Range by Ace Ambulance to Harare, then transferred to Milton Park Hospital for treatment,” she posted..
"He is currently awaiting surgery tomorrow morning as he lost alot of blood today. We will know more tomorrow when they remove bandages in Theatre - To Vikus Jane and Nick Coetzee you are incredible - Brent Hein for getting Guy to hospital To Allianz Care - Miles Bennett and Rhona Gherke thank you !
"Finally to our faithful K9 Chikara his handler and trackers - Chikara coming up tomorrow to the vet after being mauled by the leopard and getting the cat off Guy ! Very special boy -"
Whittall contributed to Zimbabwe's historic Test victory over Pakistan in 1995 with a century. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 113 runs, but the limelight fell on Grant and Andy Flower. Whittall achieved his Test double-century, scoring 203 runs against New Zealand in Bulawayo.
Guy Whittall Is Really One Lucky Man - Hannah Stooks-Whittall
Hannah stated that Whittall is incredibly fortunate, having survived encounters with both a crocodile and now a leopard. She likened him to a cat with nine lives, emphasizing his remarkable luck in escaping such dangerous situations.
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