Former Zimbabwe cricketer Guy Whittall narrowly escaped death once again 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 found under his bed at his home. Reports suggested that the former cricketer had slept all night with his legs hanging off the bed. Whittall and his father woke up in the morning to find a crocodile sleeping 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. Currently, he operates a safari business with his family in Humani, located in the southeast of Zimbabwe.
Currently awaiting surgery tomorrow – Hannah Stooks-Whittall
According to reports from his native Zimbabwe, Whittall was attacked by a leopard while walking in the reserve he manages in the Humani region of Zimbabwe. Chikara, the 51-year-old cricketer’s loyal dog, was also injured while trying to protect Whittall from the leopard.
Hannah Stooks-Whittall, Guy Whittall’s wife, confirmed the incident on Facebook. Hannah credited her dog, Chikara, with helping fend off the leopard, potentially preventing more serious injuries.
“Good evening to all of you special people. Guy and I are overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages from well-wishers after the boys came across an injured leopard today. We are very lucky to have had it stabilized at Hippo Clinic by wonderful staff. Then “She was airlifted from Buffalo Range by Ace Ambulance to Harare, then transferred to Milton Park Hospital for treatment,” he posted.
“He is currently awaiting surgery tomorrow morning because he lost a lot of blood today. We will know more tomorrow when they remove the bandages in the theater. To Vikus Jane and Nick Coetzee, you are amazing. Brent Hein for taking Guy to the hospital. To Allianz Care : Miles. Bennett and Rhona Gherke, thank you!
“Finally, to our faithful K9 Chikara, her handler and trackers. Chikara will be coming to the vet tomorrow after being mauled by the leopard and having taken Guy’s cat! Very special boy -“
Whittall contributed to Zimbabwe’s historic victory over Pakistan in 1995 with a century. The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 113 runs, but the limelight fell to Grant and Andy Flower. Whittall scored his Test double century, scoring 203 runs against New Zealand in Bulawayo.
Guy Whittall is truly a lucky man – Hannah Stooks-Whittall
Hannah claimed Whittall is incredibly lucky, having survived encounters with a crocodile and now a leopard. She compared him to a cat with nine lives, emphasizing his remarkable luck in escaping such dangerous situations.
“He really is a lucky man. First he had the crocodile, and now he has the leopard, he really is the cat with nine lives,” Hannah told MailOnline.
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