Calls Mount For Dentist Who Shot Famous Lion To Death To Be Extradited

Over a 40 hour period an American dentist shot and killed a famous lion in Zimbabwe with a crossbow and rifle. Help send him back to stand trial.

Minnesota dentist and convicted poacher Walter James Palmer, according to reports, paid almost $55,000 to safari guides so he could kill a beloved and protected lion famous to Zimbabwe tourists for his tameness and friendliness. Cecil was 13 years old. On July 1, Dr. Palmer, 55, allegedly tracked him after his guides removed his GPS collar then lured him outside of the national conservation park. Palmer then shot him with a crossbow, and continued tracking him for 40 hours until he found him and killed him with a shotgun.

“I hired several professional guides, and they secured all proper permits,” Palmer said in a statement. “To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted.

UPDATE: Jimmy Kimmel Slams Hunter Who Killed Cecil The Lion: ‘That Difficult For You To Get An Erection?’

“I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt.”

According to the Star-Tribune, Palmer, “pleaded guilty in 2008 to making false statements to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about a black bear he fatally shot in western Wisconsin outside of the authorized hunting zone, according to court documents.” 

Not only did Palmer kill Cecil, but now his offspring will likely be slaughtered.

UPDATE: Ted Nugent On Cecil The Lion: ‘God Are People Stupid’ – ‘Story Is A Lie’ And A ‘Joke’

“The saddest part of all is that now that Cecil is dead, the next lion in the hierarchy, Jericho will most likely kill all Cecil’s cubs,” Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, told the Star-Tribune.

Here’s how you can help.

UPDATE: Look: Right Now Hundreds Are Protesting At The Dental Office Owned By Killer Of Cecil The Lion

There’s a rapidly advancing petition on the White House’s website calling for the extradition of Dr. Palmer to face charges in Zimbabwe. Sign it and share it with as many people as you can.

“Big game” hunting for sport is for neanderthals. Let’s help make sure people know what the consequences are – for themselves, and for innocent animals.

 

Image: Screenshot via CNN/YouTube