adminTinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
WILDLIFE conservationists have said Cecil the lion’s six cubs are not in danger, allaying fears that the young ones could be killed by the next lion in the hierarchy. Cecil was killed on 1 July by American dentist-cum-hunter Walter Palmer. After Cecil’s death there were widespread fears that his cubs would be killed by another male lion who would take over the pride.
Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF) Mr Johnny Rodrigues told Sunday News yesterday that Cecil’s brother Jericho had stepped in to protect the cubs.
Mr Rodrigues said if the pride was going to be taken over and all the cubs killed it would have happened weeks ago soon after Cecil’s death.
“Reports I’m getting from guys on the ground are that the cubs are not in any danger. It has been a month now since Cecil died and if the cubs were to be killed it would have happened several weeks ago.
“I have watched the video of the cubs and they are grown now. They look safe. Jericho who was Cecil’s brother and friend has taken over the pride,” said Mr Rodrigues.
Cecil’s death has sparked outrage around the world. Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Change Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri on Friday called for the extradition of Palmer.
A petition by Americans for Palmer’s extradition had by Friday last week received over 100 000 signatures and is up for review by US President Barack Obama.
Palmer has admitted to killing the lion but said he was not aware that the beast was protected as he relied on his two local hunting guides.
His two local hunting guides, professional hunter Theodro Bronkhorst and farmer Honest Trymore Ndlovu have since been arrested and are facing prosecution.
Online Reporter