Last July 6, one of the most tragic news emerged online as Africa's most famous and loved lion "Cecil" died after being hunted and beheaded, just a few kilometers from the park. News then circulated that it was a Spaniard who killed the lion, but later on got cleared out and proved to be wrong. Last night, July 28, it was confirmed that it was American Walter James Palmer of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who killed Cecil, as per The Telegraph.
The CNN reporter reporting from Lionsrock Lodge, South Africa, stated that the lion was shot with a cross bow but didn't immediately kill him, they then tracked the lion for 40 hours before killing it completely. They also stated that it is illegal to bring the lion outside of the reserve and hunt it. American Dentist, Palmer, is a man within his 50's and could face serious charges for what he did. He is a well-known hunter, famous for hunting big games. Two of the hunters who were with him during the situation and hunting trip will also be facing charges in Zimbabwe within today.
CNN did get a statement from Palmer stating that "to my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted. I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite- was collared and part of a study, until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt." - Dr. Walter Palmer
He then continued "Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion."
Johnny Rodrigues, head of the Zimbabwe Conservation task force, then stated that:
"Palmer apparently paid $50,000 for the kill and we assume Theo Bronchorst received this money."
He then added:
"The saddest part of all is that, now that Cecil is dead, the next lion in the hierarchy, Jericho will most likely kill all Cecil's cubs so that he can insert his own bloodline into the females," Rodrigues said. "This is standard procedure for lions.".
