South African conservationist mauled to death by his own lions

In a tragic turn of events, a South African conservationist West Mathewson has been killed by the lions he reared himself, his family confirmed.

According to reports, 69 year old Uncle West as he was popularly called, was walking two white lionesses when one of them attacked and killed him. The incident took place at the family-owned Lion Tree Top Lodge in the northern Limpopo province in South Africa.

The lionesses, Demi and Tanner have been shifted temporarily to another facility and a decision on their eventual destination will be made soon. Mathewson had rescued the two from canned hunting several years ago.