A dentist from Minnesota is quite the center of attention after he killed Cecil the Lion with a bow on July 1 on a paid trip in Africa.

After luring the lion from the National Park with a dead animal on the back of a truck, Walter Palmer hit Cecil with a bow and 40 hours later shot him as he was not completely dead.

He was being tracked with a device as he was used for research.

After the entire world decided to hate him over the past two weeks, Walter issued a statement on Tuesday.

Statement of Dr. Walter Palmer
July 28, 2015

In early July, I was in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game. I hired several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted.

 

I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt.

 

I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the U.S. about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have.

 

Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion."

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