Cecil The Lion Death Update: Two Zimbabweans Summoned To Court, But Walter Palmer Not Yet Charged

The death of Cecil the Lion at the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe has sparked international outrage, with hundreds of thousands demanding justice over the killing of Africa's most iconic lion.

Two Zimbabweans, professional hunter Theo Bronkhorst and farm owner Honest Ndlovu, have been charged with poaching offenses, for not having the required hunting permit.

However, Walter Palmer, the American dentist who fatally shot the animal with a bow and rifle, has not been charged as of date. Palmer claims that he was unaware of the lion's identity when he was hunting the animal, according to BBC News.

Dr. Palmer has also apparently paid about $50,000 to kill the iconic lion and has flown back to the U.S. after the hunt.

A local charity has claimed that Cecil was initially shot with an arrow and that it took him 40 hours to die. After his death, the famous lion was skinned and beheaded, his head being taken for Palmer as a trophy, The Independent reported.

The lion's death has sparked outrage internationally, with people all over the world criticizing the dentist's actions. Almost 300,000 people have also signed a petition to the president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, demanding justice for Cecil's death and calling for reforms in hunting laws.

If convicted, the two Zimbabwean men could face up to 15 years in prison. If charged, Walter Palmer may face the same sentence.

Tags

Poaching, Anti-poaching, Hunting, Illegal hunting