In Zimbabwe, a trophy hunter legally killed a famous collared lion named Blondie, causing international outrage. Blondie was part of an Oxford University research project and wore a visible collar that identified him as a study animal. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from wildlife groups and conservationists, who argue that the hunt ignored ethical concerns related to research animals.
Zimbabwe permits regulated trophy hunting, allowing up to 100 lions to be hunted annually as a means of supporting conservation efforts. Blondie was lured out of Hwange National Park into a designated hunting area using bait. Authorities confirmed that the hunt was conducted legally, with all necessary permits in place, and defended the practice as a critical source of conservation funding. Rangers reportedly supervised the hunt to ensure compliance.
Blondie’s status as a prime breeding male makes his death particularly impactful for the lion population. Africa Geographic, a safari company involved in the research, criticized the hunt for undermining the ethics claimed by trophy hunters. The fact that Blondie wore a visible collar and was still killed highlights the risks even prominent research animals face in such hunts.
This event brings to mind the 2015 killing of Cecil the lion, also in Hwange National Park, which sparked global condemnation. Zimbabwe generates approximately $20 million annually from trophy hunting, mostly from foreign tourists willing to pay substantial fees.
The country is home to around 1,500 wild lions, but lion numbers are declining across Africa due to habitat loss and conflicts. The debate over trophy hunting remains highly contentious, with opponents advocating for bans and supporters arguing for its potential conservation benefits.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for more updates on this developing issue.
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