Killing of Cecil the Lion Highlights Need for Further Lion Conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org; (202) 772-0288

Date: July 30, 2015

Killing of Cecil the Lion Highlights Need for Further Lion Conservation  

WASHINGTON – Following the tragic killing of the iconic lion “Cecil” in Zimbabwe, Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“Defenders shares in the world’s horror and outrage at the killing of Cecil the lion. African lions have declined by forty-two percent in the last 21 years, making the loss of even one lion tragic. But losing a lion like Cecil, a breeding male who was such a strong ambassador for the species, is especially devastating. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officials need to aggressively investigate this tragic incident in collaboration with Zimbabwe and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.