Former Zimbabwe cricketer Guy Whittall narrowly escaped death again after he was injured in a leopard attack and required emergency surgery. This incident adds to Guy Whittall’s history of close encounters, including a previous incident with an eight-foot crocodile in 2013.
In September 2013, Guy Whittall survived the eight-foot-long crocodile under his bed at home. The former cricketer had reportedly slept the night with his legs hanging down. 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 in both formats. He took 51 wickets in Tests and 88 in ODIs. He currently runs a safari business with his family in Humani, in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe.
He is currently awaiting surgery tomorrow – Hannah Stooks-Whittall
According to reports from his home country of Zimbabwe, Whittall was attacked by a leopard while hiking through the protected area he manages in Zimbabwe’s Humani Region. The 51-year-old cricketer’s loyal dog, Chikara, was also injured while trying to protect Whittall from the leopard.
Hannah Stooks-Whittall, Guy Whittall’s wife, confirmed the incident on Facebook. Hannah praised her dog Chikara for helping to fend off the leopard and potentially preventing more serious injuries.
“Good evening, you very special people. Guy and I are overwhelmed by the hundreds of congratulatory messages after the boys encountered a wounded leopard today. We are very fortunate that he was stabilized at the Hippo Clinic by the wonderful staff. He was subsequently airlifted from Buffalo Range to Harare by Ace Ambulance, then taken to Milton Park Hospital for treatment,” she posted…
“He is currently awaiting surgery tomorrow morning as he lost a lot of blood today. We’ll know more tomorrow when the bandages are removed in the theater – to Vikus Jane and Nick Coetzee, you are incredible – Brent Hein for taking Guy to hospital, to Allianz Care – Miles.” Bennett and Rhona Gherke, thank you very much!
“Finally to our trusty K9 Chikara, his handler and trackers – Chikara is coming to the vet tomorrow after being mauled by the leopard and rescuing Guy’s cat! A very special boy – “
Whittall contributed a century to Zimbabwe’s historic Test victory over Pakistan in 1995. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 113 runs, but the spotlight was on Grant and Andy Flower. Whittall reached his Test double century, scoring 203 runs against New Zealand in Bulawayo.
Guy Whittall is truly a lucky man – Hannah Stooks-Whittall
Hannah explained that Whittall is incredibly lucky, having survived encounters with a crocodile and now a leopard. She compared him to a cat with nine lives and emphasized his remarkable luck in escaping such dangerous situations.
“He really is a happy man. First he had the crocodile and now the leopard, he is truly the cat with nine lives.” Hannah told MailOnline.
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