Cecil the Lion: South Africa Criticizes Airline Ban on Animal Trophies

August 7, 2015 11:13 AM EDT

Officials in South Africa and Namibia are speaking out against Delta Air Lines’ decision to no longer allow parts of animals killed in hunts on its planes. The airline announced Monday that it was banning so-called trophies from lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros or buffalo hunts on all flights.

“The decision by Delta Air Lines to enforce a blanket ban fails to distinguish between the trade in and transportation of legally acquired wildlife specimens, and the illegal exploitation and trade in wildlife specimens,” South Africa’s environment ministry said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Delta’s decision came after widespread outrage over the killing of a beloved lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe by an American dentist. Officials said the ban will hurt the $500 million hunting industry in the country. Namibia officials said their economy would also be adversely affected.

[AP]

Here Are Famous People Posing With Animals They've Killed

Theodore Roosevelt Dead Rhino — After serving as President of the United States in 1909, Teddy Roosevelt went on an 11-month, 2,500-mile safari. The expedition was funded as a scientific expedition by the Smithsonian Institution, according to the Theodore Roosevelt Association. On the trip, Roosevelt trapped or shot over 11,000 animals, including elephants, hippos, and white rhinos.Corbis

Prince Harry crouches over a water buffalo he shot and killed in South America in 2004.

troy-gentry-bear — Troy Gentry, of the country singing duo Montgomery Gentry, killed this captive black bear in Minnesota in October 2004. He was sentenced to three months of probation and a $15,000 fine and was banned from hunting in Minnesota for five years.

Donald Trump hunt — Donald Trump, Jr., posing with a buffalo in Zimbabwe during a safari trip in 2012.Hunting Legends Africa

eric trump hunt — Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump, posing with a buffalo in Zimbabwe during a safari trip in 2012.Hunting Legends Africa

Justin Tuck, defensive end for the Oakland Raiders, told Outdoor Life about his enjoyment of the challenge of bow hunting. He also discussed his big game trip to Africa, where he shot a hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, hyena and water buffalo.

glen-mcgrath hunt — Glenn McGrath, Australian international cricketer, posing with an elephant in Zimbabwe during a safari trip in 2008.Hunting Legends Africa

Miranda Lambert poses with a deer. She also was shown to kill an Alligator during an appearance on the Sportsman Channel's "Country Boys Outdoors,” in 2010.

Here Are Famous People Posing With Animals They've Killed

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