Zimbabwe Wants US to Extradite Minn. Dentist in Lion's Death

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe's wildlife minister says extradition is being sought for the American dentist who killed the popular lion, Cecil.

Oppah Muchinguri, environment, water and climate minister, told a news conference Friday: "We want him tried in Zimbabwe because he violated our laws. ... Police should take the first step to approach the prosecutor general who will approach the Americans. The processes have already started."

"Unfortunately it was too late to apprehend the foreign poacher as he had already absconded to his country of origin," Muchinguri said. "We are appealing to the responsible authorities for his extradition to Zimbabwe so that he be made accountable."

On Tuesday, hunter Walter James Palmer of Minnesota issued a statement saying he relied on his guides to ensure the hunt was legal.

Cecil, well known to visitors of a Zimbabwe nature park and part of a study by Oxford researchers since 2008 into the African lion population, was reportedly lured from the protected habitat by food for the hunt.