Authorities in Zimbabwe will not charge the American dentist for the hunt and killing of Cecil the Lion last summer.
According to Reuters, officials will not be charging Walter J. Palmer with killing the beloved lion because he had gone through the legalities in order to conduct the hunt.
Environment Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said Monday that Palmer could not be charged because he had the proper documentation.
"We approached the police and then the Prosecutor General, and it turned out that Palmer came to Zimbabwe because all the papers were in order," Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
As we previously reported, Cecil was killed in July and Palmer paid over $50,000 for the big-game hunt. After he received backlash he said that he regretted the kill.
“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,” Palmer said in a statement.
“Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion,” he added.
Palmer closed his practice after the public outcry, but has since returned to work.
Screenshot via Bryan Orford YouTube channel