HARARE, Zimbabwe, Aug. 1 (UPI) — Exactly one month after Cecil the lion was shot and killed by an American hunter in Africa, the animal’s brother — and caretaker of his cubs — Jericho, has also been shot and killed, Zimbabwe conservation and park officials confirmed Saturday.
The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force reported that Jericho was shot at around 4 p.m. local time Saturday. The ZCTF reported the lion’s death on Facebook and Twitter.
“I’m very gutted, I’m very disappointed, I’m heartbroken. It’s just too much,” Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force Johnny Rodrigues told USA Today.
Hwange National Park officials later confirmed Jericho’s death to CNN.
Cecil was lured from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, where it is illegal to shoot animals, and killed July 1. Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer shot the animal, skinned and beheaded it and left its corpse. Zimbabwe has called for Palmer’s extradition to face charges for violating poaching laws.
It is not yet clear who shot Jericho, who has been seen in the park in recent weeks caring for and protecting Cecil’s cubs.
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