Glenn McGrath issues apology over African game hunt photos

Glenn McGrath posing with a dead elephant. Photo via Twitter

Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath has issued a public apology after images surfaced online of him participating in a big game hunt in Zimbabwe.

Photos circulated on social media this week of the 45-year-old former fast bowler posing next to a recently killed elephant, water buffalo and hyenas.

They were taken from the website of Zimbabwe-based Chipitani Safari company, which advertises "dangerous game hunting".

"Track buffalo and tuskless elephant on foot, the real way," the website offers. "Also lion, crocodile, hippo, leopard, sable, kudu and eland."

The photos have since been taken down from the company's website.

In a written statement posted on his Twitter account yesterday, McGrath issued a public apology.

"In 2008 I participated in a hunting safari in Zimbabwe that was licensed and legal but in hindsight highly inappropriate," he wrote.

"It was an extremely difficult time in my life and looking back I deeply regret being involved."

McGrath's wife Jane McGrath died of breast cancer in 2008 aged 42.

Before her death they set up the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer support and education charity which to-date has raised more than $12 million.

The photos brought McGrath a barrage of criticism online.

And by 'outdoorsman' does Glenn McGrath really mean "I slaughter defenceless animals"???@glennmcgrath11 @AnimalsAus pic.twitter.com/j5PA3xhtzX

— DarrenWheels (@DarrenWheels) February 21, 2015

"I deeply regret donating money to the McGrath foundation in light of his actions. Won't happen again," wrote Joshua Cullen.

"Yep, when a family member passed the only thing to make me feel better was killing endangered animals," Mark Simula wrote.

"Didn't look to upset with that gleaming smile," wrote Kerry Blades.

However, some came to McGrath's defence, including Ken Rowe who wrote: "you don't need to justify yourself mate, too many do gooders in this world".

On his Twitter account McGrath describes himself as a proud father, happy husband, retired cricketer, philanthropist and outdoorsman.