Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Guy Whittall recently survived a leopard attack with the help of his dog, but required emergency surgery after being mauled by the big cat, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
The 51-year-old was attacked while hiking in the conservancy he runs in Zimbabwe's Humani region. His dog, Chikara, saved him but was injured in the process.
The former cricketer was airlifted to hospital in Harare for surgery after suffering serious injuries in the incident. His wife, Hannah Stooks-Whittall, posted pictures on social media showing Whittall with bandages wrapped around his head as doctors treated him.
Stooks-Whittall told to Daily Mail:
“He is extremely fortunate. First, he survived a crocodile attack. Now, he escaped a leopard attack, thanks to Chikara’s timely intervention. Without Chikara’s help, the outcome could have been tragic.”
Stooks-Whittall said Chikara was also immediately taken to the vet.