The murder of the lion was one too many for not just Zimbabwe and Africa but the world. It has generated massive global outrage and some reports I read on twitter had pictures showing a number of lions protesting the death hence causing traffic on the road.

Walter James Palmer, is the American dentist and hunter who killed the famous lion just to add to his growing list of big game hunts. He claims he wasn't aware of how popular the lion was locally and said his local agent/professional guide had secured the relevant legal permits. He reportedly paid ?35,000 to kill the animal using his bow and arrow after luring the lion out of the park at night with a bait. He later beheaded and skinned the lion.

Killing lions outside the park in Zimbabwe is illegal just as killing them with bow and arrow is in the same country.

The Zimbabwe authorities wants Mr. Palmer tried in Zimbabwe and are seeking his extradition from the US.

There were also reports that Jericho-Cecil's brother- has also died following the death of Cecil but that report turned out to be false as Jericho is still well and alive but there are fears that he may not be able to protect the territory- with its cubs and lionesses- from the invasion of other lions.

But this whole Cecil saga highlights some grave wrongs that the laws are protecting globally. The American hunter, Palmer, had hitherto been traveling the world killing top games with legal permits at the cost some thousands of dollars while conservationists are shouting out on biodiversity and endangered species. When it comes to this big game rich hunters, they pay a premium to hunt endangered species and I ask, what fun do they derive from killing top games and just having pictures with them? What moral basis justifies their action? Why really should the government and relevant authorities grant such permits to this hunters? Is it a statement that our forests are really overcrowded with animals of all species? Will the younger generation have the privilege of seeing these species that we enjoy watching today?

All these questions are what I think we need to ponder and act fast as a stitch in time saves nine.

For the dentist that murdered Cecil, if found guilty of any law, he has to face the consequences of his action. 

Good bye Cecil! Zimbabwe knew you all along the world celebrates you at death. You remain a celebrity animal.

Photos 1,2 & 3 : AFP

Photos 4 & 5 :Twitter