In the past few days terrible images of a beloved lion from
Zimbabwe named Cecil have been making worldwide headlines. Cecil, who was part
of a research project for Oxford University and wore a tracking collar, was
somehow found outside his normal protected area within the national park.
The gory details of his killing by American dentist, James
Walter Palmer and others in his hunting party were revealed earlier this week
while the actual death of Cecil occurred July 6th. Cecil was 13 years old and left
behind his pride and cubs as well as the humans who cared for him dearly.
The cost of the thrill for the kill was about $55,000.00.
Dr. Palmer’s cowardly actions along with the safari leader included luring
Cecil out of his protected area, shooting him with a crossbow and then after he
suffered, shot with a high powered rifle. The reason Cecil was killed? It wasn’t
for protection, food or due to illness. It was merely for the ‘trophy.’ Cecil was
beheaded and skinned without reason just so the dear dentist could have the
bragging rights of killing an animal in the wild which posed no threat to him.
Trophy hunting is not necessarily something new. Teddy
Roosevelt was an avid hunter. It is said he and his son killed 512 animals while on
safaris during the early 1900’s. In 2012 Donald Trumps’ sons, Eric and Donald
Trump, Jr. were photographed during a hunting safari. Trump Jr. took to Twitter
to brag about killing a leopard like a spoiled child touting a new toy.
Not long ago, Ian Gibson another American hunter with a long
line of kills actually became the hunted. In mid- April, Mr. Gibson was guiding a
hunting group as they stalked elephants. This time, the elephant, a large male,
took Mr. Gibson to task. As the ‘mighty’ hunter raised his rifle, the bull
charged him and violently gored him with his massive tusks.
Other hunting events have made the news, but the item quietly
disappears. This one, however, might not leave our memories so quickly. Rarely
do we hear about a safari killing involving an animal with a name. Cecil had an
identity, he had following, he was famous in Zimbabwe, he was loved.
Hunting animals happens worldwide, not just in South Africa.
Knowing animals are hunted just for the fun and trophy is extremely
disheartening. Some animals are hunted for body parts used for furniture,
decoration, aphrodisiacs and ‘natural health’ aides. The animals are not killed
for food and once the desired parts are taken, the carcasses are discarded like
garbage.
These treasured animals are part of our world and some are
now close to extinction. I can think of so many lovely travel opportunities
that can be purchased for $50,000.00. The thrill of the kill is not one. About
6 months ago I spoke with a prospective client from the Utah area. She told me
their family, as well as another family, wanted to travel to South Africa for a
safari journey. We discussed the budget which for both families would have
exceeded $50,000.00 and I silently smiled. Before the conversation ended she
added one more request. As I heard her request my heart broke and my stomach
began to roll. The final request, permits for their rifles. It took a minute to
compose my thoughts and take a deep breath. I explained to her that I could not
help with her travel and could not support her version of safari or travel. Assisting
this family with their travel would make me complicit in the murder of innocent
animals in their own habitat all for the glory of a trophy. No amount of money
could compel me to be part of such an ugly sport.
I had the opportunity to visit South Africa as part of a US
Travel Delegation. The beauty of the country and learning about the culture
first hand was a wonderful experience. For me as well as most of my companions,
going out in the jeeps for several safari drives in one of the national parks
was the ultimate of experiences. Viewing my first male lion in the dark of
night was an indescribable. It took a while before I could steady my hands to
shoot, not with a rifle, but with a camera. My lion was as majestic as could be and
let out a roar which shook the park. Instinct let him know we were there to
just say hello and appreciate his beauty. For the next few days, I marveled at
seeing these elegant creatures of the bush, in their natural habitat, while respecting
their home, and their boundaries. These are images so etched in my mind, I will
never forget them and hope to have another safari opportunity along with my
camera.
It is my prayer that Cecil’s death will not be in vain. Hopefully
his unwarranted death will serve to change the laws in Zimbabwe and other
destinations where hunters’ willfully kill for the thrill.
