Toymaker Announces Creation Of 'Cecil The Lion' Beanie Baby

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — In memory of the beloved lion killed in Zimbabwe, a popular toymaker has announced the creation of "Cecil the Lion" Beanie Baby.

The making of the Beanie Baby by Ty Inc. comes in the wake of the death of the lion allegedly killed by a U.S. dentist in early July.

The toymaker has pledged 100 percent of profits from the original sale to WildCRU, which is the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit of University of Oxford in Oxford England, according to a news release issued by the company.

"Hopefully, this special Beanie Baby will raise awareness for animal conservation and give comfort to all saddened by the loss of Cecil," Ty Warner, the Founder and Chairman of Ty Inc., said in a statement.

The slaying of Cecil made international headlines and prompted outrage.

The Associated Press reports that the toy will be available for purchase at the end of September and will cost $5.99.