A safari guide has been mauled to death by a lion in the same Zimbabwean national park where Cecil the lion was killed by hunters.

Quinn Swales was taking guests on a photographic walking safari in Hwange national park at dawn on Monday when he was charged by the male, according to the Camp Hwange lodge. The 40-year-old Zimbabwean saved his guests but died of his injuries.

Hwange was home to Cecil the lion before he was killed last month in a suspected illegal hunt by American dentist Walter Palmer, triggering a global wave of revulsion and anger.

Camp Hwange announced on its Facebook page: “It is with deep regret and great sadness that we are able to confirm the death of Quinn Swales, a Camp Hwange professional guide, who was fatally mauled by a male lion whilst out on a walking safari this morning.

“We can confirm that Quinn did everything he could to successfully protect his guests and ensure their safety, and that no guests were injured in the incident.”

The safari industry paid tribute to Swales. Media reports quoted Shelley Cox, of African Bush Camps, as saying: “Quinn’s actions in successfully protecting the lives of his guests is heroic and reminiscent of his outstanding guiding skills, experience and training. It is certainly a tragedy and a loss to the guiding fraternity and tourism industry.”

Camp Hwange’s website says all its guides are “handpicked to the highest standards”. It adds: “Experienced in all the disciplines of walking in the wilds of Zimbabwe, your safety being their primary concern, together you will discover the heartstopping experience of tracking the big game.”

Swales, a former pilot, said on his own Facebook page that he was from Trelawney in northern Zimbabwe. The last picture he posted, on 10 August, was of Cecil. The lion was shot with a bow and arrow and then tracked for more than 40 hours before Palmer killed him with a rifle. Palmer claims he relied on his professional guides to ensure the hunt was legal.

The trial of Theo Bronkhorst, the leader of the hunting expedition, is due to resume on 28 September. Bronkhorst has been charged with failing to prevent an illegal hunt and, if convicted, faces up to 15 years in prison.