Zimbabwean authorities call for extradition of lion-killing dentist

Government authorities in Zimbabwe are beginning to clamor for Walter Palmer's extradition.

Cecil the lion and his alleged killer, Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer.


Cecil the lion and his alleged killer, Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer.

Via the Star Tribune:

"This is pure poaching," Chibuwe (deputy chief of mission at Zimbabwe's embassy in Washington, D.C.,) said. "The guys knew exactly what they were doing. There is absolutely no excuse for what they did."

Calls from ordinary Americans as well as Zimbabwe nationals expressing outrage over the lion's killing have been pouring into the embassy, Chibuwe said, and staff are trying to answer as many of the calls as they can.


Palmer should come forward, Chibuwe said.

"If he is innocent.. why should he be hesistant to appear before the court?" he said. "He should have a sense of responsibility."

Chibuwe said he doesn't think the extradition process has been initiated yet, and that it likely would be handled between the two countries' justice departments.