First picture of woman mauled to death by lions while working in South Africa

https://ift.tt/38fz5Im

A young woman who was mauled to death by lions while working at a game reserve has been pictured for the first time.

Swans van Wyke, 21, was set upon by the animals while performing her daily duties in the enclosure on Thursday.

Paramedics were called after she was found collapsed by the gate of the cage with devastating injuries.

She was covered in blood with deep bite and claw wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene.


Police have launched an investigation at the game reserve at Bela-Bela in Limpopo, South Africa. An inquest has also been opened.

South African Police spokesman Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said:”Our initial investigations show she was performing her duties when attacked by an unknown number of lions.

“The circumstances leading to this tragic incident are still unknown at this stage”.

It is not known at this stage how many lions attacked Ms Van Wyke, or if those involved would be shot.

Police said it was a decision for the game lodge and the authorities that monitor game lodges.