Dame Joanna Lumley Calls for Action on Trophy Hunting Ban on Cecil the Lion's 10th Anniversary

Dame Joanna Lumley has raised her voice for the UK government to implement a ban on trophy hunting imports, marking ten years since the death of Cecil the lion. Cecil, who lived in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, was killed on July 2, 2015, by a U.S. trophy hunter who lured him out of the park. This event sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the ethical dilemmas surrounding trophy hunting practices. Lumley expressed her deep shock at the brutal killings, reflecting that it was a moment of anger not only for her but for people across the globe.

Ten years later, Lumley remains appalled, particularly at the failure of governments to fulfill their commitments to prohibit hunters from importing trophies back into the UK. She emphasized the urgent need for a ban on such imports to prevent further endangerment of species. She stated that every wild animal, including Cecil, has the right to life. Lumley encouraged the public to contact their MPs to demand legislative change, asserting that Cecil's death should not be in vain. Currently, a private member's bill is poised for debate, but there is skepticism among animal welfare advocates regarding its chances for success without government backing.

Dr. Mark Jones from Born Free has echoed Lumley’s sentiments, stressing the prolonged suffering endured by Cecil before his death. He highlighted the persistent threat that trophy hunting poses to many wild animals, especially those already vulnerable or endangered. As the tenth anniversary of Cecil's death arrives, he urges the UK government to take definitive action to outlaw trophy hunting imports. In recent statistics, British trophy hunters have reportedly brought back body parts from various endangered species, following the previous administration's rollback of plans to ban such practices. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reiterated that the government committed to banning trophy imports and will clarify its stance on the private members' bill during its upcoming reading.