Cecil the Lion: Zimbabwean Hunter Defends Walter Palmer

Walter Palmer, who killed Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe, had done nothing wrong and was a “good man”, AFP quotes Theo Bronkhorst, the Zimbabwean professional hunter who led the expedition as saying.

Theo Bronkhorst made the remarks after his trial for failing to prevent a legal hunt was postponed.

He said the case was “crazy” and the permits to kill Cecil the lion outside Hwange National Park had been obtained.

Cecil’s killing in July has caused outrage around the world and American dentist Walter Palmer is in hiding.

Walter Palmer is believed to have paid about $50,000 to hunt down Cecil, a major tourist attraction at Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve.

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Oppah Muchinguri has called for Walter Palmer to be extradited to face charges.

As he was leaving the court in Hwange town, in north-western Zimbabwe, Theo Bronkhorst defended Walter Palmer.

“I feel sorry for my client [Walter Palmer]. He is a good man. He did nothing wrong,” he told reporters.

Theo Bronkhorst attacked the legal proceedings: “I think it’s frivolous and I think it’s wrong.”

He added that was hunting was “integral” to the country and had to continue.

“If we do not use wildlife sustainably there will be no wildlife,” Theo Bronkhorst said.

When asked about his prosecution, Theo Bronkhorst said it was “crazy”.