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Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell says the United States is working with Zimbabwe to develop sustainable trophy-hunting that will help preserve, not wipe out, endangered species.

She said the U.S. does not currently allow trophy imports from Zimbabwe because its program does not ensure sustainable futures for species or channels some hunting proceeds to local communities.

An American killed a well-known lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe in an allegedly illegal hunt last year, causing an international outcry.

Jewell spoke Tuesday in a conference call before a trip to three African countries — South Africa, Kenya and Gabon — to strengthen collaboration to curb illegal trafficking in wildlife products. She said the U.S. is "part of the problem" but is committing more resources to prosecute Americans hunting iconic species to extinction.