Poachers Shoot Another Zimbabwean Lion , ‘Jericho’, Dead , Actually Cecil’s Brother

Cecil the lion’s brother Jericho has been shot dead by poachers in Zimbabwe, park officials have claimed.

The beloved animal was protecting Cecil’s lion cubs after he was killed by Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer earlier this month, sparking outrage around the world.

Jericho was reportedly gunned down during an illegal hunting operation in Hwange National Park on Saturday afternoon.

Johnny Rodrigues, Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness and regret that we report that Jericho was shot dead at 4pm this afternoon.

‘We are absolutely heartbroken. We have no further details but will advise as soon as we know more.’

However a team of conservationists from Oxford University have said his death has not been confirmed, creating hope the majestic creature could still be alive. source-dailymail

photo-Cecil (right) the lion’s brother Jerciho (left) has been shot dead in a park in Zimbabwe