Sad story.....sickening how this magnificent and beloved creature's life needlessly came to an end. They baited the poor thing by hanging meat on a tree. Then they sat there waiting in the dark, put a spotlight on him, and shot him with the bow. That is NOT hunting. They let him lie there bleeding overnight before killing him with a rifle.
The 13-year-old animal was renowned for being friendly towards visitors.
Recognisable because of his large size and distinctive black mane.
Led two prides containing six lionesses and 12 cubs along with another lion, Jericho.
Was being monitored as part of an Oxford University study into lion conservation.
The 13-year-old animal was renowned for being friendly towards visitors.
Recognisable because of his large size and distinctive black mane.
Led two prides containing six lionesses and 12 cubs along with another lion, Jericho.
Was being monitored as part of an Oxford University study into lion conservation.
This is the cowardly POS responsible for killing Cecil....I hope he spends significant time in prison at the very least.Cecil the lion was skinned and beheaded, according to the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF), a local charity.
The ZCTF said the hunters had used bait to lure him outside Hwange National Park during a night-time pursuit.
The animal had a GPS collar fitted for a research project by UK-based Oxford University that allowed authorities to track its movements. The hunters tried to destroy it, but failed, according to the ZCTF.
On Monday, the head of the ZCTF told the BBC that Cecil "never bothered anybody" and was "one of the most beautiful animals to look at".