In pictures: Zimbabwe's Cecil the lion

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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:

Cecil the lion chasing a jeepImage source, Thomas Joyce
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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.

Cecil growling at his cubsImage source, Ed Hetherington
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Cecil led two prides containing six lionesses and 12 cubs along with another lion called Jericho.

Cecil the lionImage source, Ronna Tom
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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.

Cecil the lionImage source, Paula French
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The 13-year-old was recognisable because of his large size and distinctive shaggy black mane.

Cecil the lion wearing a collarImage source, Ronna Tom
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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.

Undated photo provided by the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Cecil the lion rests in Hwange National Park, in Hwange, ZimbabweImage source, Andy Loveridge/Wildlife Conservation Research Unit
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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.

Cecil the lion in a handout picture taken on 21 October 2012Image source, AFP/ZIMBABWE NATIONAL PARKS
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Trophy hunting is big business and in 2013, 49 lion head "trophies" were exported from Zimbabwe.

Cecil the lionImage source, Paula French
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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.

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