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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE death of Cecil the lion, who has gained overnight international fame after he was allegedly shot dead by an American dentist at Hwange National Park, has taken the internet and social media by storm with animal activists condemning the killing.

The alleged killer, Walter Palmer, fled the country soon after committing the crime, while activists are baying for his blood in his hometown of Minnesota,, where he works as a dentist.

Palmer allegedly killed Cecil outside Hwange National Park after paying $55,000 to two local professional hunters for a hunting licence.

The animal activists have signed an online petition targeting 600,000 signatories, which they say will be forwarded to President Robert Mugabe hoping to stop trophy hunts.

“We demand justice for Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. Please sign the petition to demand justice for Cecil! Tell Zimbabwe to stop issuing hunting permits to kill endangered animals,” read the petition which had been signed by over 450,000 people last night.

One of the signatories to the petition, Ellen Pearce, blasted Palmer, describing him as a senseless rich man with little regards to animals.

“Stop the senseless killing of wildlife! If the idle rich are so bored that they need to shoot something, let them turn the gun on themselves!! Justice for Cecil! Justice for the cubs who will now die because of Walter Palmer’s sick desire to kill a beautiful lion,” said Pearce.

Ruth Bagwell said there was no justification for the dentist-cum-hunter’s actions.

Others called on the government of Zimbabwe to impose strict penalties on Palmer.

Janice Gullett said lions are an endangered species that should be protected.

“Lion population is at an all time low from disease and man’s encroachment. Still this dentist feels the need to destroy a lion, a young one at that,” said Gullett.

Other publications such as the UK Daily Mail also lambasted Palmer, describing him as a “phony hunter with no hunting expertise”.

“He and his fellow hunters tied a dead animal to their vehicle to lure Cecil out of the park, scenting an area half-a kilometre away,” said the Mail, which reports that a real hunter will not use such methods on his targeted animal.

Palmer has apologised for killing Cecil, insisting he followed all the necessary procedures needed while hunting in the country.

“I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt. Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practise responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

The internet backlash on Palmer forced the disgraced dentist to pull down his website and Facebook page.