American Dentist Will Not Face Charges After Shooting Cecil the Lion
The American dentist who hit the headlines after shooting and killing one of Zimbabwe’s most precious creatures will not face charges, it has been revealed. Walter Palmer shot Cecil the lion in July with a bow and arrow, sparking global outrage and national mourning in Zimbabwe.
At the time of the incident, Mr Palmer insisted that he was unaware of the identity of the lion and also stated that he believed he had obtained a valid hunting license during his time in Africa.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Mr Palmer, from Minnesota, will not be charged in Zimbabwe, as he had a license to take part in the hunt. Mr Palmer, a big game hunting fan, killed the iconic black-maned lion at Hwange National Park.
Speaking on Monday 12th October, environment minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri claimed that investigations had proven Mr Palmer had the relevant papers to allow him to hunt and therefore he would not be prosecuted. The decision has angered animal rights campaigners and conservationists all over the world. Despite the decision, representatives from the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force said they will try to pursue charges against Mr Palmer in the United States.
Mr Palmer will be able to visit Zimbabwe in the future if he wishes to, however he will not be permitted to hunt there again.
Since the shooting, Mr Palmer has received widespread criticism and was forced to close his dental practice in Minnesota over the summer. Protesters gathered outside and the clinic’s social media page attracted thousands of negative comments. He returned to work in September and maintains that he had no idea that the lion he was hunting was Cecil.
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