Ecology
A US dentist paid $55,000 to hunt and kill Cecil the lion, one of Africa's most famous lions.
Walter Palmer, a dentist from Minnesota, lured a lion out of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe on the night of July 1 by shooting him with a crossbow.
After injuring Cecil, a professional hunter, along with his accomplices, hunted down the lion for almost two days before killing him, ripping off his skin and beheading him, taking the lion's head as a trophy.
Zimbabwean authorities reported that hunting was illegal and Cecil's murder would seriously affect tourism in Hwang.
The “trophy” was seized by the authorities as physical evidence.
Killing a lion in Africa
The dentist said he was unaware of Cecil's fame and regrets denying the illegality of hunting.
Ever since his role in the animal's death was revealed, users around the world have been posting angry and insulting remarks about Palmer.
Palmer's hunting accomplices, including Zimbabwean guide Theo Bronkhorst and local landowner Honest Ndlovu, are on trial for poaching and could be sued for poaching face up to 15 years in prison.
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Lev Cecil
Cecil, 13 years old, was a celebrity among tourists and Zimbabweans and appeared in numerous videos posted by people who were able to spot the majestic animal at the National Hwange Park.
He was considered one of the most beautiful lions with an unusual black mane and was friendly to tourists.
Cecil left behind a pride of lions, including lionesses and 24 cubs, who are now likely to be killed by other lions without protection.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists lions as one of 23,000 vulnerable species.