Cecil the lion is dead, killed illegally, authorities allege, by a foreign hunter or hunters who paid about $55,000 for the privilege.
Cecil was part of an Oxford University research project and wore a GPS collar.
He was lured out of a national park with food, shot with a crossbow, tracked for 40 more hours, then finished off with a gun, said Johnny Rodrigues, the head of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force.
The 13-year-old lion's head was reportedly cut off as a trophy, and his skin was taken as well. Rodrigues told CNN that the head and skin had been found and confiscated, and were being processed as evidence.
Cecil was killed July 6, Rodrigues said, allegedly by a Spaniard. He said, though, that as many as three hunters may have been involved, none of whom have yet been detained. The nationalities of those involved have not yet been confirmed.
Hunters Association: Respect ongoing investigation
The Safari operator has been arrested. A hearing has been set for Aug. 6.
The Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association confirmed in post on its Facebook page last week that the hunter in charge of the safari was one it its members. The Association said the safari leader had been suspended indefinitely.
"The professional hunter and company he works for have been co-operative in the investigation," the association said. "ZPHGA reiterates it will not tolerate any illegal hunting or any unethical practices by any of its members and their staff."
It asked everyone to respect the ongoing investigation and said it would not comment further until the inquiry is complete.
Cecil the lion is survived by about six lionesses with whom he mated regularly and approximately 24 cubs, Rodrigues
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