Legendary lion studied by Oxford University shot dead by poachers
Blondie, the last known descendant of the Somadada pride, was killed outside Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
At just five years old, the animal's life was claimed by trophy hunters close to the African country's largest natural reserve.
This attack occurred during the week of Sunday, June 29, just three months after research experts had worked with the lion.
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Blondie with his cubs. (Image: Shamiso Pakimisa)
Blondie was fitted with a GPS collar by Oxford experts to help track him as well as his 10 cubs and three adult females.
This long-term study was cut short as the trophy hunters led the majestic animal away from Hwange National Park using chunks of meat.
This was due to the park being an area where hunting is prohibited, so Blondie was lured away to be shot dead.
The Daily Mail reports there are now concerns that a professional hunter was involved and was aware that the lion was collared and had dependent cubs.
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Africa Geographic chief executive Simon Espley said: "As the sponsor of Blondie's research collar, we are dismayed and angered by this development.
"That Blondie's prominent collar did not prevent him from being offered to a hunting client, confirms the stark reality that no lion is safe from trophy hunting guns.
"He was a breeding male in his prime, making a mockery of the ethics that ZPGA (Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association) regularly espouses and the repeated claims that trophy hunters only target old, non-breeding males."
The hunter declined to comment according to Africa Geographic, but said: "[The hunt was] conducted legally, and ethically."
A photograph has since surfaced showing the trophy hunters kneeling down beside Blondie's body.
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