GABORONE — Botswana yesterday voiced its outrage over the killing of Cecil the Lion near the Hwange National Park last month.
In a statement, government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay condemned the killing of the famed lion.
“The government of Botswana has learnt with deep concern of the killing of a collared and protected lion by an American national, Walter James Palmer,” read the statement.
Botswana commended Zimbabwean authorities for swift arrests of the culprits and urged speedy prosecution.
Ramsay said safari hunting undermined regional anti-poaching efforts.
“It is our stern belief that safari hunting of threatened species such as lions has the potential to undermine our regional anti-poaching efforts as it encourages illegal trade which in turn promotes poaching,” he said.
“To this end, individuals partaking in such sport hunting expeditions will not be welcome in Botswana.” — online
