Zimbabwe has called for the extradition of U.S. citizen and Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer who shot a lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe which has caused a global outpouring of anger.
Palmer who has gone underground amid onslaught of criticisms was said to have paid $50,000 for the hunt earlier this month
Cecil has been described by Muchinguri as "an iconic attraction... which we had successfully managed to look after both in terms of conservation and protection from a cub to a fully-grown lion of 13 years."
Cecil was a popular tourist attraction at the park and was also
wearing a tracking collar as part of a University of Oxford research project.
wearing a tracking collar as part of a University of Oxford research project.
The Zimbabwean authorities are requesting that the U.S extradite him so he can face charges and be tried in Zimbabwe.
Environment minister Oppah Muchinguri said "We are appealing to the responsible authorities for (Palmer's) extradition to Zimbabwe so that he can be made accountable for his illegal actions. It was too late to apprehend the foreign poacher as he had already absconded to his country of origin."
Palmer, is also being investigated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service over Cecil's killing, but has said that he was misled by professional guide Theo Bronkhorst.
The lion's death triggered an outpouring of anger around the world after it was alleged that he was lured out of Hwange National Park and shot with a powerful bow and arrow.
Add your comments here.