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Cecil lion hunt guide appears in court

The Zimbabwean hunter who led the expedition that killed Cecil the lion appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of organising an illegal hunt.

Theo Bronkhorst, who runs a safari company, denies any wrongdoing over the hunt in July when US dentist Walter Palmer paid to shoot the lion with a bow and arrow.

Zimbabwean officials have called for Palmer to be extradited from the US over the "illegal" killing, claiming he broke the law by financing an illegal hunt.

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Safari Club suspends membership of Cecil hunters

Cecil the lion Credit: PA

An international hunting organisation has suspended the membership of the US dentist accused of illegally killing protected Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.

Safari Club International, which promotes big-game hunting worldwide, issued a statement saying memberships for Walter Palmer and his guide in Zimbabwe, Theo Bronkhorst, will be suspended while investigations are ongoing.

The Safari Club said "those who intentionally take wildlife illegally should be prosecuted and punished to the maximum extent allowed by law".

The announcement came as the US Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating whether Dr Palmer violated US law against trading in animals that have been illegally killed, transported or sold.

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Cecil lion hunt guide appears in court

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