Zimbabwe wants to extradite lion killer
Official said American dentist went home before authorities could apprehend him
HARARE, ZIMBABWE— Zimbabwe is seeking the extradition of an American dentist who killed a lion that was lured out of a national park and shot with a bow and arrow and a gun, a cabinet minister said Friday.
“Unfortunately it was too late to apprehend the foreign poacher as he had already absconded to his country of origin,” Oppah Muchinguri, Zimbabwe’s environment, water and climate minister, told a news conference. “We are appealing to the responsible authorities for his extradi- tion to Zimbabwe so that he be made accountable.”
On Tuesday, American hunter Walter James Palmer issued a statement saying he relied on his guides to ensure the hunt was legal. Two Zimbabweans — a professional hunter and a farm owner — have been arrested in the lion killing that garnered worldwide condemnation.
“There has been an outcry,” Muchinguri said. “Almost 500,000 people are calling for his extradition and we need this support. We want him tried in Zimbabwe because he violated our laws.
“I have already consulted with the authorities within the police force who are responsible for arresting the criminal. We have certain processes we have to follow. Police should take the first step to approach the prosecutor general who will approach the Americans. The processes have already started.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is also investigating the killing of the lion, known as Cecil, said Friday a representative of Palmer had contacted them. The service enforces the U.S. endangered species law.
The wildlife service has proposed listing the African lion as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a decision that’s set to be made final this year.
Under that proposal, the importing of lion “trophies” from sporting hunts would be allowed provided the lions originate from countries that have a scientifically sound management plan.
The U.S. is trying to determine whether Cecil’s body was sent to the U.S., and whether Palmer had the appropriate export permit.
Safari Club International has suspended the memberships of Palmer and his hunting guide during the investigations and says anyone who hunts illegally should be prosecuted.
But the Calgary chapter of the hunting organization is under fire for a fundraiser at the Calgary Zoo next April that includes auctions for hunting trips. Among the prizes is a 10-day safari in Africa to hunt 23 species.
The Zimbabwean minister said both Palmer and professional hunter Theo Bronkhorst violated the Parks and Wildlife Act, which controls the use of bow and arrow hunting. He said Palmer, who reportedly paid $50,000 (U.S.) to hunt the lion, also violated the act through financing an illegal hunt. The landowner violated the act because he “allowed a hunt to be conducted without a quota and necessary permit,” Muchinguri said.
Muchinguri accused Palmer of “a well-orchestrated agenda which would tarnish the image of Zimbabwe and further strain the relationship between Zimbabwe and the U.S.A.”
Palmer is believed to have shot the lion with a bow on July 1 outside Hwange National Park, after it was lured onto private land with a carcass of an animal laid out on a car. Some 40 hours later, the wounded cat was tracked down and Palmer allegedly killed it with a gun.