Zimbabwe’s Mugabe blames foreign ‘vandals’ amid lion’s death

Palmer has remained out of sight since the hunt drew global attention and criticism – and led to calls for his extradition to Zimbabwe.

Last month, American dentist Walter Palmer killed the much-loved lion Cecil sparking outrage around the world.

Hunting is still banned in the Antoinette farm that Cecil was killed in in early July, another farm where a second lion was recently illegally hunted, and in two other areas.

If Palmer is extradited, tried and sentenced in Zimbabwe, and many believe that to be unlikely, he’ll face grim conditions in a Zimbabwean jail.

Researchers have an unusual quantity of knowledge about the behavior of the lions in Hwange National Park because many, including Cecil, were fitted with high-tech collars that allowed Oxford University scientists to closely track their activities.

“I appreciate the thrill of hunting but personally, my thrill compared to an animal’s suffering…it is a no brainer”.

The Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association confirmed Cecil was killed on private land outside the park, and an investigation is ongoing into the legality of the hunt.

Lions, leopards and elephant hunting was prohibited around Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park – where Cecil the lion lived before he was killed – but has now been adandoned. “So he will protect those cubs as though they are his own”.

Zimbabwean authorities have launched a crackdown on illegal hunting since, though some have argued that hunting plays a key role in conservation and provides essential revenue and jobs.

He says the controversy has affected his medical practice.

As concerns continue to grow that he could become the next prize for trophy hunters, a park source said: “Jericho has now taken over another pride and has been seen with other females”.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund says it filed a complaint alleging that Palmer brought disrepute to Minnesota’s dental profession and should have his license revoked.

Although the project will be expensive, Rodrigues said it’s important to honor Cecil.