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After Killing Famous Lion, Internet Outrage Forces The Killer To Close His Dental Office
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After Killing Famous Lion, Internet Outrage Forces The Killer To Close His Dental Office

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Cecil the lion was one of the most popular attractions at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park – until he was killed by Walter Palmer, a dentist from the U.S. who paid $55,000 for the “pleasure” to kill the 13-year-old wildlife celebrity. The backlash from animal lovers around the world has been so strong that the dentist’s website has shut down and his office is shuttered.

Palmer, a trophied wild animal hunter, paid a guide to lure the wild cat out of the park at night so he could be poached. He shot and wounded Cecil with a bow, but was only able to kill the big cat 40 hours later. Cecil was beheaded and skinned – his carcass remained unused.

Not only did his lion hunt kill a local celebrity at the park, but, according to the Zimbabwean Tourism Authority, the hunt was illegal, and a criminal investigation is currently underway. African cat’s death will affect more than just him and his fans. Now that Cecil is gone, other male lions will probably kill off the 24 cubs that he had left with his pride to ensure that their own bloodlines live on instead.

(h/t: bbc, kstp.com)

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    Cecil the 13-year-old lion was a beloved celebrity at Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park

    Image credits: Brent Stapelkamp

    That was until authorities found him shot. His carcass had been left, skinned and beheaded, outside of the park. The killers even tried to hide his tracking collar – but they failed

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    Image credits: Brent Stapelkamp

    Someone had paid a guide $55,000 to lure him out of the park at night and shoot him with a crossbow. They tracked him for 40 more agonizing hours until he was finally killed

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    Image credits: Paula French

    The Zimbabwean Tourism Authority later identified Walter Palmer, a dentist and trophy hunter from Minnesota, as the culprit

    The Internet has responded angrily to his actions, and Palmer has been forced to close his dental office

    Locals have covered the front door with flowers, signs and stuffed animals as a memorial for Cecil

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    The Yelp reviews have been especially brutal, dropping his rating to 1:

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    Even Ricky Gervais, a comedian, actor and animal rights activist, weighed in:

    Zimbabwean authorities are looking for Palmer and investigating the killing, but he is reportedly back in the U.S.

    Image credits: Paula French

    Cecil left behind 24 cubs, who will probably killed by rival males seeking to replace him as alpha

    Image credits: Paula French

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    In a statement, Palmer said “I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt… I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion”

    Image credits: Brent Stapelkamp

    The last photo of Cecil ever taken. RIP

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    Image credits: Brent Stapelkamp

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    Dovas

    Dovas

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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    Dovas

    Dovas

    Author, Community member

    There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    AgataJabłońska
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone should hunt him down. No apologies will replace a life.

    PalleDrost
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "...an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally..." He must be out of his f...... mind. Killing for pleasure is the utmost stupidity.

    BnbMau
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it`s a shame to kill for pleasure! i hope u die coward! i you really wanted to hunt the poor animal you should have done it with your bare hands!

    Load More Comments
    AgataJabłońska
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone should hunt him down. No apologies will replace a life.

    PalleDrost
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "...an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally..." He must be out of his f...... mind. Killing for pleasure is the utmost stupidity.

    BnbMau
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it`s a shame to kill for pleasure! i hope u die coward! i you really wanted to hunt the poor animal you should have done it with your bare hands!

    Load More Comments
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