Dentist who killed Cecil the lion goes back to work
THE big game hunter who killed Cecil the lion returned to work at his dental practice in suburban Minneapolis yesterday as the possibility of him being extradited to Zimbabwe appeared to be fading.
Walter Palmer, 55, remained silent as he arrived at his office, where a small group of protesters shouted “murderer” and “extradite Palmer”.
Messages were taped to the door of the building, including: “Justice for Cecil”. Police blocked off traffic and a security guard took Mr Palmer inside.
In late July The Daily Telegraph disclosed that Mr Palmer was the hunter responsible for killing Cecil with a bow and arrow. The lion was part of an Oxford University Wildlife Conservation Research Unit study and had been fitted with a tracking collar.
Following an international outcry, Mr Palmer had remained out of public view ever since.
On Monday he announced, in an interview with his local newspaper, that he was determined to return to work because he was a “health professional” and his patients and staff needed him.
Police in Minneapolis said they did not believe there was a safety risk to Mr Palmer, but they have set up a security camera in the car park by his practice.
Others involved in the hunt that led to the death of Cecil have been charged, or are awaiting charges, in Zimbabwe. However, a police spokesman in Zimbabwe said no moves have been made to apply for Mr Palmer’s extradition.