Hunter Involved in Cecil's Death Facing New Charges

Hunter Involved in Cecil’s Death Facing New Charges

Published September 16, 2015 by PETA Staff. Last Updated April 2, 2024.

2 min read

Theo Bronkhorst, a Zimbabwean ”great white hunter” who is awaiting trial for his involvement in Cecil the lion’s death, was arrested again this week for trying to smuggle live sable antelopes from Zimbabwe to a game farm (i.e., a “canned hunt” facility) in South Africa. Local authorities say that he’ll be charged with moving wild animals without a permit and may also be charged as an accomplice to a smuggling scheme.

Sable antelopes are large antelopes known for their long horns. Because of their striking appearance, they’re popular targets for trophy hunters, particularly Americans.

The arrest comes on the heels of international outrage over the slaying of Cecil the lion—a beloved national treasure who was lured out of safety and shot with a crossbow, left to suffer for 40 hours, and finally killed with a gun so that he could be taken as a “trophy.”

Walter Palmer smiles over the corpse of another animal, who, like Cecil, wanted only to be left in peace.

What You Can Do

Many airlines have announced that they will no longer transport animals killed by trophy hunters. However, FedEx and UPS are still shipping hunting trophies. Contact the companies’ CEOs and urge them to end the transport of hunting trophies today.