BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The latest information on the controversy surrounding a Minnesota hunter and guides in Zimbabwe who killed a protected lion during a hunt in the African nation (all times are Central):
12 p.m.
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official says the agency is "deeply concerned" about the recent killing of a protected lion in Zimbabwe.
Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer killed the lion named Cecil on a big-game hunting trip. Zimbabwean authorities have said they are seeking Palmer on poaching charges, but Palmer says he hasn't heard from authorities.
Laury Parramore of the Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency is "currently gathering facts about the issue and will assist Zimbabwe officials in whatever manner requested."
The agency proposed last year to list the African lion as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Such a move could limit the importation of African lion carcasses into the United States from some countries. But that rule has not yet been made final.
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11:20 a.m.
Police are monitoring the office of a suburban Minneapolis dentist who has come under fire for killing a protected lion in Zimbabwe.
Bloomington Deputy Police Chief Mike Hartley says his department is putting plans together to manage any protests Wednesday at Walter Palmer's dental office.
Hartley says an extra patrol monitored Palmer's office overnight and a high-visibility camera installed to deter and record any criminal activity detected no such wrongdoing.
Palmer was with professional guides when he killed a beloved lion in Africa. Palmer says he didn't know the lion was protected and he relied on local guides to ensure the hunt was legal.
The lion's death sparked outrage on social media, and protests are planned at Palmer's office. By Wednesday morning, a small pile of stuffed animals, including lions and a monkey, was outside the front door of the office, which appeared to be closed.
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