The entire world is outraged over a killing of a peaceful lion from Zimbabwe. Cecil, King of his own Pride Rock, was 13 years old, and had been carefully watched by scientists and adored by all who came his way for several years.
Enter a dentist from Minnesota with a thirst for exotic game to ruin a notable life. This was a bullet to the heart of more than just a lion, it was a bullet to the heart of an entire pride, nation, and animal-lovers around the world.
R.I.P. Cecil the Lion. July 1, 2015. Zimbabwe.
The last photo ever taken of Cecil.
Cecil is the one lying down. image via telegraph.co.uk
Cecil and his lady lion.
Cecil Roars
|image via Zimbabwe National Parks
“He was confident, but not aggressive,” said Mr Stapelkamp. “He was not really playful – more regal. He was a lion and he knew it, and everyone else be damned – he was the biggest cat on the block, and didn’t have to be playful. Click to keep reading…
The man who killed Cecil, Walter Palmer, regrets his actions. He admits that he was guilty and never intended to kill the favored wild king of Africa. He got the permits, he hired the wild safari team, he trusted them. You can read more about the case here. But WHY was he out on safari hunting lions in the first place??? WHY would you want to kill these beautiful regal creatures? Killing an innocent life for mere sport will never be ok.
I understand hunting for provisions: meat, warmth, population control, skins, fats, etc. But hunting a lion, or any endangered and exotic creature for trophy’s sake is beyond me. What do you think?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
To sum things up, this is how low I feel right now:
