A South African man was mauled to death by two white lions while his wife watched "helplessly."
West Mathewson, 69, was attacked by two 181kg lions on Wednesday (local time) at the safari lodge he ran.
Matthewson's daughter-in-law Tehri Fergusson told The Telegraph it was unclear why the lions had killed him, but suggested his death could have been the result of "rough play".
He was attacked after the animals "had a falling out" while wrestling and turned onto him, according to Limpopo Police.
Matthewson's wife Gill, 65, tried to distract the lions in an attempt to save him, but by the time police arrived, Matthewson was already dead.
The conservationist ran a popular safari Lion Tree Top Lodge, around 280 miles north west of Johannesburg.
"The deceased used to walk about with these lions on the game farm," Limpopo Police officer Brigadier Motlafela told DPA.
"It looks like the lions were used to him, but as the police, we often warn people to always be wary of wild animals regardless of the circumstances under which they are kept."
The lionesses were tranquilised following the attack and have been taken to an endangered species centre.
