Just this week, a breaking news regarding Africa's most famous lion "Cecil" emerged and it was said that his death was on foul play as per USA Today. It was stated that Cecil the Lion was on a GPS tracker and he was tricked into leaving the park which lead to his death. He was then beheaded and skinned. Zimbabwe authorities are in search of the Spaniard responsible for the killing that allegedly paid a park guide the amount of $55,000 to kill the famous lion.
The Guardian then reported that the pride will be shaken, since there are only two adult male lions leading it namely "Cecil and Jericho." Now that Cecil is no longer around to tend for the rest of the pride, conservationist feared that Jericho may have a hard time looking after to take care of two prides at the same time. Spain conservationist did however apologized for what happened stating that "we're ashamed" that "in Spain there are rich madmen who pay for the pleasure of killing wild animals such as lions."
Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides then made an official statement on Facebook stating:
ZPHGA would like to make the following statement, regarding the ongoing investigation of the hunt outside Hwange that resulted in the death of Cecil the Lion at this time.
Zimbabwe Parks Wildlife Management Authority, are currently still conducting an investigation on the legalities of the hunt that took place and for which they are the appropriate authority to do so. We therefore can not and will not comment on the legal aspect, whilst this investigation is ongoing. ZPHGA are working together with ZPWMA and Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ).
ZPHGA confirms the Professional Hunter in charge of the Safari is a member of ZPHGA. Therefore ZPHGA can make a ruling on the aspect of ethics and his membership at this time.
ZPHGA in the follow up of the investigation concludes that in regarding the responsibility of his membership, the PH was is in violation of the ethics of ZPHGA.
ZPHGA therefore with immediate effect, suspend his membership indefinitely.
The professional hunter and company he works for have been co-operative in the investigation.
ZPHGA re-iterates it will not tolerate any illegal hunting or any unethical practices by any of its members and their staff.
ZPHGA will await the completion of the current investigation by ZPWMA before commenting any further.
We ask all members of ZPHGA, as well as the general public, to please respect the ongoing investigation underway by the appropriate authorities ZPWMA.
