Second American accused of illegally killing lion in Africa

[Read about what happened to Cecil and why it’s not unusual.].

The hunting of lions, leopards and elephants in the area around the reserve in western Zimbabwe has been suspended, as has hunting with bows and arrows – the method also used by Cecil’s killer, Walter Palmer – barring special permission from the head of Zimparks.

Landowner Headman Sibanda was arrested and is assisting police, it said.

While select hunting could still be allowed, anyone who wishes to participate in big game or bow hunting must obtain written permission from Chidziya and, in the case of big game hunts, be accompanied by a parks official.

Images on websites linked to hunting show a “Dr Jan Seski” standing next to dead animals including elephants, an impala, a hippo and an ostrich, the agency added.

Messages left by The Associated Press at Seski’s home, and with an answering service for his medical practice, were not immediately returned.

Cecil the lion’s killing sparked an worldwide uproar after the beloved feline was lured out of a national park, killed, skinned and beheaded last week by an American hunter and two local guides.

Stewart Dorrington, operator of Melorani Safaris in South Africa, said Seski had hunted on his property and all his actions there were “perfectly legal”.

Was Cecil the Lion’s brother Jericho killed?!

Jericho, a lion in Zimbabwe, is alive, contrary to an earlier report of his demise.

Mr Palmer is believed to have paid about $50,000 (£32,000) to hunt Cecil, a major tourist attraction in the Hwange National Park.

He said he had been accused of taking money from hunts, a claim he denied.

National Parks spokeswoman Caroline Washaya Moyo said Seski had provided his name and other identifying information for a government database when he came for the hunt.

The Zimbabwean government did not say what species of animals were hunted in the allegedly illegal safari, which authorities say was conducted without a quota or permit.

Rodrigues said that Cecil’s six cubs are now being looked after by another lion, Jericho.

Online backlash regarding the death of Cecil has garnered such massive global support that the White House announced on Thursday that they would be reviewing a petition to extradite the dentist back to Zimbabwe to face charges.