Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe has registered its distress over the brutal murder of Cecil, one of Africa’s iconic lions.
Cecil was gunned down by an American identified as, Walter James Palmer, with the aid of Theo Bronkhorst, a professional hunter with Bushman Safaris.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Emmanuel Fundira, President of Safari Operators Association Of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) said the death of Cecil is a major blow to the tourism sector.
“A lot of people would come and watch Cecil and his absence is a disturbance in the industry,” he said adding that Cecil was one of the icons, the tourism sector relied on for income.
He also said the money which was paid by Palmer to gun down Cecil was far beyond Cecil’s actual value.
“Proper market value for Cecil would have been US $100,000 and only US$55,000 was paid for him and this is a clear loss,” he said.
He also described the hunt as illegal.
“Hunting is highly regulated and we would have expected a scout to accompany the hunter,” said Fundira.
Fundira claimed that Palmer is believed to have committed such a crime, but he would not divulging more information on his claims.
Following the death of Cecil, prominent Gwayi-based farmer, Mr Honest Trymore Ndlovu and Theo Bronkhorst appeared in court today. The case is CR 27/07/2015.
Meanwhile Palmer says he regrets killing Cecil but insisted that he was acting legally,reported the Esperance Express.
