Cecil’s Story:
The Lion Who Touched the World
Cecil was more than just a lion – he was a symbol of wild Africa, known for his striking black mane and gentle confidence around people.
For years, he roamed Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, a favourite among researchers, guides, and tourists alike. Fitted with a satellite collar by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), Cecil became an ambassador for his species, helping scientists understand the threats lions face from trophy hunting and habitat loss.
A Tragic End
In late June 2015, Cecil’s life was cut short in an event that shocked the world.
Lured out of the safety of the park by bait, he was shot with a bow and arrow by an American trophy hunter, Walter Palmer. The first arrow failed to kill him, leaving Cecil wounded and in agony for over eleven hours before he was finally killed the following day.
His death was not only illegal – no permit had been issued to hunt a lion in that area – but also cruel. Efforts were made to hide the evidence, including removing his collar and attempting to cover up the hunt.
Cecil’s body was never recovered, but the story of his suffering and the circumstances of his death quickly spread, igniting global outrage.
The Impact
News of Cecil’s death reverberated far beyond Zimbabwe.
Conservationists, animal lovers, and the general public expressed horror and sadness at the loss of such an iconic animal.
The story revealed the ongoing dangers of trophy hunting and the lengths some will go for a trophy, often at the expense of conservation and animal welfare.
Local communities who relied on Cecil’s presence for tourism were devastated, while the incident also exposed the darker side of the hunting industry, including permit fraud and attempts to evade regulations
A Catalyst for Change
Cecil’s story galvanized a worldwide movement. People began to question the ethics of trophy hunting and the need for stronger protections for wildlife.
Conservationists like Johnny Rodrigues, who first broke the news of Cecil’s killing, risked their safety to expose the truth and advocate for animals. Their tireless work highlighted the threats facing not just lions, but many other species targeted by hunters and traffickers
Why Cecil Week?
Cecil Week was created to honour the memory of this remarkable lion and to ensure that his death was not in vain.
By organising events in Cecil’s name, we remember his life and the lessons his story teaches us about compassion, responsibility, and the urgent need to protect wildlife.
Cecil Week is a call to action: to celebrate animals, raise awareness about their plight, and inspire people everywhere to stand up for animal welfare.
Join Us!
By sharing Cecil’s story and hosting events during Cecil Week, you become part of a global community committed to making a difference.
Together, we can ensure that Cecil’s legacy lives on – not just as a victim, but as a catalyst for change and hope for all animals
You can also make a donation to the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting here.
