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Cecil the lion’s killer wanted by USFWS and Justice Department

Palmer has not been seen or heard from since his only public statement on Tuesday, when he said, “I deeply regret” killing “a known, local favorite,” adding he had relied on his guides and thought the hunt was legal.

“I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the U.S. about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have,” Palmer added.

But this afternoon, the Washington Post is reporting that the lion killer is now being sought by not only Fish and Wildlife but by the Justice Department as well.

Edward Grace, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s law enforcement deputy chief, issued a statement today, saying the agency is investigating the “circumstances surrounding Cecil’s death.” Grace added, “That investigation will take us wherever the facts lead. At this point in time, however, multiple efforts to contact Dr. Walter Palmer have been unsuccessful. We ask that Dr. Palmer or his representative contact us immediately.”

Grace also told the Washington Post the Justice Department has joined the probe, while the State Department is investigating the matter in Zimbabwe.

On Wednesday, Theo Bronkhorst, a professional hunter who was charged in Cecil’s death, was released on $1,000 bail, according to the Associated Press. It was originally reported that Landowner Honest Trymore Ndlovu had also been charged with complicity in the lion’s death, but his lawyer told the AP Ndlovu had not been charged and was released.

PETA calls for Palmer to be hanged
The killing of Cecil, a protected and collared much-loved wildlife figure, has created a firestorm of vitriol across the world. Online comments blasting the dentist came from people of every ilk, from Newt Gingrich and Mia Farrow to everyday people like you and me. But the most scathing remarks were issued in a statement from PETA, a radical defender of animal rights:
Hunting is a coward’s pastime. If, as has been reported, this dentist and his guides lured Cecil out of the park with food so as to shoot him on private property, because shooting him in the park would have been illegal, he needs to be extradited, charged, and, preferably, hanged. To get a thrill at the cost of a life, this man gunned down a beloved lion, Cecil with a high-powered weapon. All wild animals are beloved by their own mates and infants, but to hunters like this overblown, over-privileged little man, who lack empathy, understanding, and respect for living creatures, they are merely targets to kill, decapitate, and hang up on a wall as a trophy. The photograph of this dentist, smiling over the corpse of another animal, who, like Cecil, wanted only to be left in peace, will disgust every caring soul in the world.

In his hometown in Bloomington, Palmer’s dental clinic has been bearing the brunt of his heinous deed. Protesters have been gathering to call for his extradition. Stuffed animals sit in front of the clinic’s door and a sign posted on the door says, “Rot in Hell.”

And an interesting addendum to the story shows that Palmer, an avid big-game hunter, has ran afoul of the law before. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to making false statement to U.S. wildlife officials over the location of a black bear killing in Wisconsin.

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We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

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