Guy Whittall, the former Zimbabwean all-rounder, narrowly escaped a life-threatening encounter with a leopard earlier this week. The 51-year-old sustained severe injuries to his head and hand, necessitating immediate surgery.
Whittall, who represented Zimbabwe in 46 Tests and 147 ODIs between 1993 and 2003, currently operates a safari business with his family in Humani. According to his wife Hannah’s Facebook post, the incident occurred on Tuesday. Whittall was airlifted to Harare for urgent medical attention.
This is not the first time Whittall has had a close encounter with wildlife. Over a decade ago, an eight-foot, 165kg Nile crocodile entered his bedroom at the Humani game reserve and spent the night there.
Whittall’s injuries are reported to be stable, but he remains under observation. His family and friends have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers.
The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with living in close proximity to wildlife. Whittall’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions and respecting the boundaries of wild animals.
