Outrage grows following killing of Zimbabwe lion

In a written statement, Palmer admitted his involvement, but denied any knowledge of Cecil’s identity.

Bloomington Deputy Police Chief Mike Hartley says his department is putting plans together to manage any protests Wednesday at Walter Palmer’s dental office. The next lion in hierarchy is expected to kill the cubs in order to “insert his own bloodline into the females”.

Local animal advocates, including Jordan Joseph, a volunteer coordinator at Catty Shack, a wildlife sanctuary, are shocked and are sounding an alarm about big game hunting.

The professor called for donations via the project’s website to fund the training of local Zimbabwean conservationists, for anti-poaching patrols, and tracking devices for the lions which cost £1,500 (S$3,200). Here are some details about the case that has gained global attention.

Play video “Debate: Hunter vs Animal Campaigner”.

He said late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel also weighed in, saying he was embarrassed and appalled by the American tourists actions.

“They could have easily done that without him knowing about it”, Dance said.

Palmer denied knowing which lion he shot with a crossbow and said he regrets the killing.

In 2008, Palmer pleaded guilty to making false statements to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about a black bear he fatally shot in 2006 in an unauthorized zone in western Wisconsin, according to court documents. He is said to have lured the lion out of the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe with bait before shooting him with a bow and arrow.

Cecil had been fitted with a Global Positioning System collar so scientists from Oxford University could study his movements.

In a statement, Palmer has said he wasn’t aware that the lion was protected, and that he relied on local guides to ensure that he was acting legally.

The Zimbabwean farmer and professional hunter appeared in court Wednesday on poaching charges for their role in killing Cecil.

News of Palmer’s involvement sparked outrage across the globe. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals even went as far as declaring the dentist be “preferably hanged”.

He also explained to his patients that he had been hunting since he was a child in North Dakota, but did not discuss his hobby with his patients because he realised the topic could be divisive and emotionally charged. One carried a sign that read: “Let the hunter be hunted!”

They face up to 10 years in prison. “There was apparently no quota or license for a lion to be killed in this area”, stated ZCTF.

In America, the Department of Justice said it is aware of the situation.

Palmer said he had not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or the United States and would assist in any inquiries.