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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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Cecil the lion killer could face up to 10 years in jail

Protests have been held outside Walter Palmer's house and dentist practice in the US. Credit: Reuters

Cecil the lion killer Walter Palmer could face up to 10 years in jail if he is convicted in a Zimbabwean court.

The country has called on the US to extradite the 55-year-old dentist after it emerged he had shot the protected animal with a bow and arrow.

Palmer fled the country before the Zimbabwean authorities knew what had happened.

He admits killing black-maned Cecil, who was a tourist attraction, but said he hired professional guides and believed he had the necessary permits.

The life-long hunter has gone into hiding since his identity was revealed by Zimbabwean conservationists.

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Cecil lion hunt guide appears in court

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