SECOND American arrested for illegal lion hunting in same park Cecil was killed

Cecil the lion was brutally killed three months after another lion in the same Zimbabwean park

ANOTHER American was arrested after illegally killing a lion in Zimbabwe with a bow and arrow - just a few months before dentist Walter Palmer brutally killed Cecil the Lion.

 

The second American was involved in an illegal lion hunt in April in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, the same park where the world's most famous lion was killed last month resulting in a global outcry.

This afternoon the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said Zimabwean landowner, Headman Sibanda, was arrested in the April case and is assisting police with their investigation as they look into the American who gave the final blow.

Authorities in Zimbabwe yesterday revealed they have started the legal process to seek the extradition of Minnesota dentist Walter James Palmer, claiming he did not have authorisation to kill Cecil the lion.

 

The lion was lured out of the park before he was wounded with a bow and arrow then tracked down for 40 hours, shot and skinned.

Palmer said he relied on his professional  guides to ensure the hunt was legal and finely came out of hiding yesterday to speak to the authorities in the US.

Tens of thousands of animal lovers have signed a petition demanding the dentist is extradited to Zimbabwe to face trial.

Walter Palmer (l) with his trophy, Cecil the lion

Two Zimbabwean citizens were arrested over Cecil's death and face charges.

On Saturday, Zimbabwe's wildlife authority said it had suspended the hunting of lions, leopards and elephants in the Hwange area. 

Bow and arrow hunts were also suspended and can only be approved by the head of the wildlife authority.