UPDATE: Cecil's Killer is an American Dentist, and More

ZIMBABWE CONSIDERING AN INTERPOL WARRANT FOR PALMER’S ARREST

Simon Bloch reports:

Minnesota dentist Walter J Palmer. who illegally bow-hunted Zimbabwe’s most famous lion, Cecil, could be convicted in abstentia according to Emmanuel Fundira, President of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ).

Mr Fundira said it was possible that Zimbabwe police were considering applying for Palmer's arrest and extradition through Interpol, to face charges in Zimbabwe.

Cecil’s head and skin were recovered from a Bulawayo taxidermist as evidence.

"In Zimbabwe, poaching of an endangered species like lion carries a mandatory jail term of 10 years. There is also a $20 000 fine.Lions are right at the top of our protected species” he said..

Social media platforms have been alive with death-threats and hate mail for Palmer since he was identified yesterday.

Laury Marshall Parramore, USFWS Division of Public Affairs, issued a statement today, which said:

"The Service is deeply concerned about the recent killing of Cecil the lion. We are currently gathering facts about the issue and will assist Zimbabwe officials in whatever manner requested. It is up to all of us - not just the people of Africa - to ensure that healthy, wild populations of animals continue to roam the savanna for generations to come."

In an e mail sent to the journalist, a US Fish and Wildlife investigator wrote.

“So sorry. For the Lion. For the country. For Africa. And for the U.S. That it was our guy who did it.”

Asked whether Palmer would be charged in the US under the Lacey Act, Gavin Shire, spokesman for the USFWS said it was too early to tell.

During a lengthy telephone interview tonight, Permanent secretary for the Zimbabwe Ministry of Environment, Prince Mupavzi said, "due process will be followed in terms of the law. The question you are asking is a matter that is dealt with by the police, so I won't be able to give you a straight answer in what they are doing. We don't interfere in the work of the police. They do their work as they are supposed to do. We would hope that all the due processes are followed and each of the people responsible for this illegal act are held accountable.

"What I can comment on is that what Mr Palmer did was illegal, and that he had no authority to hunt Cecil the lion. People were paid a lot of money to lure the lion from a National park outside the hunting area, and none of that money was going to the conservation of our wildlife," Mupavzi added.

Speaking on behalf of SOAZ, Mr Fundira said:

“We have already suspended the outfitter, Theo Bronkhorst, and his license has been withdrawn. As you know, the bureaucratic machinery is overwhelmingly disappointing. There is so much money involved with people like this, and in terms of how much influence these people have."

Sounding a warning to foreign hunters and safari operators – Mr Fundira said:

“Hunt ethically, or face the consequences. We expect a straight conviction for the people who were involved in this illegal act. There is also a strong possibility the police will issue a warrant for Mr Palmer’s arrest through Interpol."

Yesterday Mr Fundira called on American and international hunting associations to take action:

“We are not going to just stop there. It’s like if you just suspend people, you are just exporting the problem. We would like for Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, PHASA, and all the recognized and reputable hunting organisations, to know that we are very, very disappointed that people like this are allowed to willy-nilly commit crimes of this nature and freely move around between countries without sanction. We have always said at the hunting shows, like at Dallas and Reno that the Americans should not allow non-registered looney operators to attend, or sell hunts. Why would they allow people like these to be invited into our countries, and end up ruining the reputation of the industry. Their membership owes it to the African continent to take stronger action to prevent further damage to our wildlife. They are tarnishing their own credentials," Mr Fundira concluded.

Bushman Safaris’ operator, Theo Bronkhorst, who guided Palmer and allegedly lured Cecil the lion using bait, outside Hwange National Park, appeared in court today.

He was released on US $1000 bail, ordered to surrender his passport and report to Bulawayo police three times a week.

Spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Caroline Washa Moyo said the authority was “very disappointed at the low bail amount” set by magistrate, Lindiwe Maposa.

Accused of conniving with with Bronkhorst and Palmer, Honest Trymore Ndlovu will appear separately tomorrow.

The case will continue on Wednesday.

UPDATE FROM THURSDAY, JULY 30TH, 2015

Simon Bloch reports:

Zimbabwe is reportedly considering issuing an Interpol warrant for the arrest of US dentist Walter James Palmer, whom it accuses of illegally bow-hunting Zimbabwe's most famous lion, Cecil. Cecil's head and skin were recovered from a Bulawayo taxidermist as evidence.

This emerged yesterday as two Zimbabweans, whom Palmer reportedly paid $50000 to assist him, arrived in court to face poaching charges. Palmer, of Minnesota, has been accused by wildlife officials of killing Cecil without a permit on July 1, 2015. The American, who has since left Zimbabwe, said he killed the lion but believed it was a legal hunt.

The beast was lured out of Hwange National Park and shot with a powerful bow and arrow. This triggered an outpouring of anger around the world. Hunter Theo Bronkhorst was yesterday granted $1000 bail. His trial will take place on Wednesday. His co-accused, Honest Ndlovu, is to appear on separate charges today.

Speaking on behalf of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Fundira warned foreign hunters and safari operators to hunt ethically or face the consequences:

"We expect a straight conviction for the people involved in this illegal act, and there is a strong likelihood the police will issue a warrant for Mr Palmer's arrest through Interpol.''

Asked whether Palmer could be arrested in the US and charged under the Lacey Act, US Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Gavin Shire said it was too early to comment.

Since it emerged this week that he allegedly killed Cecil, Palmer has been pilloried on the internet, with many wishing him dead.

Cecil, one of the oldest lions in Zimbabwe, was fitted with a GPS collar for a research project by Oxford University scientists.

Please visit PACH (People Against Canned Hunting) on Facebook for more information & up-to-date posts on all things Cecil