American Hunter Killed Cecil; Beloved Lion Was Lured Out of Sanctuary

"Cecil, a 13-year-old lion, wandered out of his sanctuary in a national park in Zimbabwe this month, following the scent of a potential snack.

At the other end of Cecil’s search was a lure, placed there by hunters who, conservationists say, wanted their prey to cross into unprotected territory so they could kill him.

Cecil, well known to those who visited the Hwange National Park in western Zimbabwe for his jet black mane, was beheaded, according to conservation officials. His corpse was left to rot in the sun.

Zimbabwean officials said that Dr. Walter J. Palmer, an American hunter known for killing big game with a bow and arrow, killed Cecil, and was being sought on poaching charges."

Katie Rogers reports for the New York Times July 28, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Man Accused in Lion Death Says He Thought Hunt Was Legal" (AP)