Zimbabwe calls for US hunter to be extradited

Palmer allegedly paid $50 000 for the hunt earlier this month in which he shot the lion with a powerful bow and arrow close to Hwange national park in the west of Zimbabwe.

Cecil, who had a distinctive black mane, was a popular tourist attraction among visitors to the park and was also wearing a collar as part of a University of Oxford research project.

Palmer, who has gone into hiding amid a flood of angry abuse and criticism, has apologised for killing Cecil and said he was misled by professional guide Theo Bronkhorst.

Bronkhorst, who organised the expedition, was granted bail by the Hwange court on Wednesday after being charged with "failing to prevent an illegal hunt".

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama will review a petition - signed by 140 000 people - calling for the extradition of the American dentist. 

(Photo: Facebook/GrahamSturgeon)