Lion Killed by Trophy Hunters in Zimbabwe: 10 Years After Cecil, the Tragedy Repeats

In a chilling echo of Cecil the lion’s death in 2015, another iconic lion has been killed by trophy hunters near Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The lion, known as Blondie, was being tracked by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) as part of a long-term study to protect African lions and their habitats.

Blondie’s killing is a painful reminder that a decade after Cecil’s death, little has changed to protect these majestic animals from being exploited for sport and profit.

Local communities and global tourists support lion protection

Earlier this month, World Animal Protection launched a new study showing that over 85% of community members living near Kruger National Park in South Africa support the introduction of a lion protection fee, also known as a lion levy. This small, optional fee paid by tourists would directly fund conservation efforts rather than the continued exploitation of lions through trophy hunting.

This follows our 2023 international research, which revealed that more than 80% of tourists, including from Zimbabwe, would also support such a fee during their travels.

Together, these findings send a powerful message: both local residents and global visitors want to see lions protected — not killed for trophies.

“Enough is enough”: A call for real, lasting change

“This news is devastating. Ten years on from Cecil the lion, have we learned nothing?” said Tricia Croasdell, CEO of World Animal Protection.

“Earlier this month we launched a study showing that over 85% of community members living near Kruger National Park in South Africa supported the introduction of a lion protection fee, also known as a 'lion levy'. This small fee, paid by visiting tourists would help fund lion protection, rather than the exploitation of lions through trophy hunting.

The strong backing from local communities follows on from our 2023 research, which found that more than 80% of international tourists, including from  Zimbabwe would also support a lion protection fee during their travels. Together, these findings send a powerful message: both local residents and global visitors want to see lions protected, not exploited for trophy hunting.

Enough is enough, we need to show that Cecil and Blondie’s deaths were not in vain. People around the world are calling for real, lasting change — for a future where wild animals are respected and protected in their natural habitats, not bred and killed for profit.”

Help us end trophy hunting — and build a safer future for lions

You can make a difference for lions like Cecil and Blondie. Join us in protecting wildlife from cruelty and exploitation.

• Support our mission with a donation
• Join our global community to stay informed.
• Travel responsibly and avoid wildlife exploitation
• Share this news to raise awareness and inspire action

Together, we can put an end to trophy hunting and ensure wild animals are respected — not reduced to trophies.