The following statement was issued by Eden Prairie dentist Walter Palmer on Tuesday regarding the allegations that he illegally killed a beloved lion in Zimbabwe on July 1.
Read the full statement from Walter Palmer on killing of Cecil the lion
The Eden Prairie dentist said in a statement Tuesday that he believed he was acting legally when he killed a lion in Zimbabwe on July 1.
July 29, 2015 at 9:36PM
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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