In pictures: Zimbabwe's Cecil the lion
- Published
Cecil the lion was a favourite with the tourists who visited Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. Here's a selection of some of their photos:
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Before he was killed on 1 July, Cecil was a major attraction for visitors as he would allow vehicles to get close to him - and even followed this one allowing them to get close up images.
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Cecil led two prides containing six lionesses and 12 cubs along with another lion called Jericho.
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Following his death, his own six cubs will be killed as the new lion who takes over the pride will not allow them to live, conservationists say.
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The 13-year-old was recognisable because of his large size and distinctive shaggy black mane.
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He was being studied by lion conservation researchers at Oxford University and wore a GPS collar that allowed them to track him.
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Walter Palmer, a US dentist from Minnesota, is believed to have paid about $50,000 (£32,000) to hunt down Cecil.
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Trophy hunting is big business and in 2013, 49 lion head "trophies" were exported from Zimbabwe.
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It is alleged that bait was used to lure the lion outside Hwange National Park during a night-time pursuit. Mr Palmer says he thought the hunt was legal and was unaware Cecil was protected.
- Published30 July 2015
- Published29 July 2015
- Published29 July 2015
- Published30 July 2015