Cecil Week

Celebrating Wildlife. Ending Cruelty.
24 June - 2 July 2025

A week of events, activities, talks, new books, film launches - and much more!

Take part – and help build a better world for people, planet, and animals.

Why Cecil Week Matters

In 2015, Cecil the lion was killed by a trophy hunter. It revealed that hunting wildlife for sport and souvenirs continues to this day.

In 2025, Cecil Week was launched to celebrate wildlife and the work of people and groups around the world to protect wild animals – including efforts to end trophy hunting, stop wildlife trade and poaching, and promote conservation that benefits local communities and wildlife populations alike.

Join us in celebrating wildlife, supporting conservation, and standing up for animal welfare.

"This hunt was the straw that broke the donkey’s back and a lot of people worked very hard to make sure the story saw the light of day. The world just needed to hear it and the rest was, I believe, a natural manifestation around the global attachment to lions.”

"Cecil the lion died slowly and painfully to allow a hunter the ultimate vanity of claiming he had killed a huge lion with a bow and arrow.”

"Not one penny is worth the life of Cecil, a national treasure like so many animals. The cruelty behind this act is disturbing – not only was Cecil cruelly shot with a bow and arrow but found alive 40 hours later, to be then shot cold blooded by a gun."

"Cecil's story is a testament to the power of one life to ignite global change and inspire countless individuals to take action.”

Cecil’s Story:
The Lion Who Changed the World

Cecil was no ordinary lion.

With his striking black mane and calm presence, he became a favourite among researchers, safari guides, and visitors to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

Fitted with a satellite collar by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Cecil helped scientists study the impact of trophy hunting on lion populations and was a symbol of the wild’s beauty and vulnerability.

In July 2015, Cecil’s life was cut short when he was lured out of the park and killed by a trophy hunter.

His death, after hours of suffering, sparked global outrage and shone a light on the ongoing threats facing wild animals—from trophy hunting and illegal wildlife trade to habitat loss and poaching. Cecil’s story became a rallying cry for animal welfare and conservation, inspiring people worldwide to demand change and protect wildlife for generations to come.

Host an Event for Cecil Week

Bring people together in your community by organising an event for Cecil Week. Whether it’s a talk, fundraiser, art show, or educational activity, your efforts help raise awareness and drive real change for wildlife and animal welfare. Share your passion and inspire others to join the movement.

Attend a Cecil Week Event

Looking to get involved? Explore a range of events happening near you and around the world during Cecil Week. Join fellow supporters to celebrate wildlife, learn more about conservation, and make a difference in honour of Cecil the Lion.