NEW DELHI: The killing of Cecil the lion has provoked outrage worldwide, with Zimbawe’s environment minister calling for the extradition of US dentist Walter Palmer.
But gold plating company Goldgenie has provided a unique way of remembering the mighty lion – by committing Cecil’s image to gold HTC One M9 to raise funds for a charity dedicated to the conservation of animals in Hwange National Park where he lived.
The £24,000 smartphone carries a likeness of Cecil engraved into its back, with the legend ‘For Cecil and His Kingdom’ underneath.
Goldgenie said that 10 per cent of every sale (£159) will be donated to Friends of Hwange.
The price tag is only £11,000 less than the sum of £35,000 Palmer is reported to have paid to shoot and kill Cecil with a crossbow.
The 13 year-old lion was shot and killed on July 1 in Hwange National Park, and was known as a “local favourite”.
“In early July, I was in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game. I hired several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted,” Mr Palmer told Colorado News.
“I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the US about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have. Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion.”
