US Dentist Releases Statement After Paying $50,000 to Hunt and Kill Cecil the Lion

The American dentist at the centre of a social media storm after her paid $50,000 to hunt and kill an African lion has broken his silence.  Following reports that Zimbabwe authorities were searching for Dr. Walter Palmer, the 55-year-old has released a statement. He said: "In early July, I was in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game. I hired several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted. I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt. I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the U.S. about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have. Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion." The story has set the Internet alight in recent days. Earlier this month, Cecil the lion was beheaded and skinned after the dentist paid a whopping $50,000 to hunt down and shoot the majestic animal - something of a local celebrity in the area -  with a bow and arrow. Two Zimbabwean men, a professional hunter and a farm owner, are already facing criminal poaching charges in connection with Cecil's death. The group did not have a hunting permit. The duo are set to appear in court on Wednesday and could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.   Palmer posing with a previous kill Dr. Palmer's practice was closed on Tuesday and a note on the door directed visitors to a PR firm. Meanwhile, the Facebook page for his business was taken down after it was besieged by angry comments. The company website has also been removed. Thirteen-year-old Cecil the lion was a major tourist attraction at the the world-famous Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is believed that the group of hunters used bait to lure him outside the park, first injuring him with a bow and arrow before shooting the wounded animal dead 40 hours later. Hunters also tried to destroy a GPS collar fitted to the lion to track his movements as part of a research project by Oxford University. Experts have also warned that Cecil's six young cubs will now likely be killed by the new male lion in the pride.