US hunter killed Cecil

A conservation charity on Tuesday accused an American tourist of killing a much-loved Zimbabwean lion called "Cecil" on a hunt using a bow and arrow, adding that the animal had taken 40 hours to die. The lion, which was probably the world's most popular beast, was tempted outside the park using bait and then shot earlier this month. The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force charity named the alleged trophy hunter as Walter Palmer from Minnesota, saying he had paid $50,000 for the hunt. Cecil was described by safari operators as an "iconic" animal, who was recognised by many visitors to Hwange for his distinctive black mane.