EATEN ALIVE:Park ranger ambushed and eaten alive by two lions while tracking cheetahs for rich tourist

A PARK ranger pinpointing wild game for rich tourists was eaten alive after two lions ambushed him as he followed cheetah tracks.

Malibongwe Mfila, 27, was mauled to death by the two young male lions at a luxury South African safari retreat on March 6.

The tragic animal tracker had seen the two cheetah’s tracks lead off the dirt road he had been travelling upon in his jeep, before he exited the vehicle to track them on foot.

Mfila had been scouting out the 22,000 hectare grounds alone in his jeep at the Marataba Safari Lodge in the Marakele National Park, for signs of the Big 5.

Yet in a cruel twist of fate, just 20 metres away two young male lions were lying in wait camouflaged amongst the dense greenery of the safari sanctuary.

The pair leaped out and dragged the 27-year-old to the ground, before feasting on his body.

South African Police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the young ranger was attacked and killed by the lions who were later shot.

“He was busy driving around in the bush looking for animals like elephants and lions in order to tell the guides where to do game drives.

“He reportedly stopped his vehicle and got out and as he was walking away from the road he was suddenly attacked and killed by two lions,” he explained.

Another driver in the park noticed the lions devouring the game tracking specialist before raising the alarm. The big cats were both immediately shot by the responding rangers.

Marataba’s Park Management confirmed two young male lions had been euthanised and that post mortems were being conducted out on both.source-The Sun