For the first time in my writing life, I find I am speechless and in awe. I struggle to form the words for how I truly feel. I mean no humor or diminution in calling our beloved Cecil, a Pussy Cat. He was a magnificent and royal lion. He was also a poster being for all that I find painful in a world of audacity and arrogance. In a heartbeat, a wild and wonderful creature can be erased from life as we know it by someone who needs a trophy on his wall Do I forgive this entitled fool? Heck, its the Christian thing to do, is it not? Frankly, I must put this item, this elusive forgiveness, aside until later. Right now, I’m in grief and find a huge lump in my heart for a creature who will no longer be reigning over his pride. As for laws and protection, Cecil was SAFE. It took law breaking, insane arrogance and money to lure this wonderful creature out of his place of sanctuary. . Maybe silence is all I can muster or, perhaps, a silent roar. I’ll look up and do so, but for now I can only bow my head and weep.
madamtruefire on the hoof 
Very touching post. I think a lot of us feel the same way. I have often wondered why some humans are so self-loathing that they must take their psychology out on other beings. This was an act of a coward and one who should spend time in jail.
LikeLike
Spot on with your comments. How people can slaughter innocent animals and call it sport is beyond me. The man is a criminal. He paid to have the poor animal lured out of the safe zone then kills it. Don’t know which is worse. Killing it in the safe zone or killing it after taking it away.
A fitting punishment would be to take away his guns and leave him unarmed in lion country. He might understand the fear the animals have of stupid humans
LikeLike