US Fish & Wildlife Service Investigating Killing Of Cecil The Lion
Gallery: Protests At Bloomington Dentist's Office
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the agency is investigating the killing of Cecil the Lion, saying it will "go where facts lead."
The agency made the announcement via Twitter Thursday.
We're investigating the killing of #CecilTheLion. Will go where facts lead. We ask Dr. Palmer or his rep to contact USFWS immediately.
— U.S. Fish and Wildlife (@USFWS) July 30, 2015
Also Thursday, the Eden Prairie Police Department said that, while they will be stepping up neighborhood monitoring, they will not be providing personal protection for the dentist who killed a protected lion in Zimbabwe.
"Because of the increased traffic in the neighborhood of Walter Palmer's residence, the Eden Prairie Police Department is monitoring the neighborhood to ensure the safety and security of the residents and their property," the department said.
RELATED: Big Game Trophy Hunters Defend Their Passion
The two men who helped Palmer in his lion hunt made their first appearance in court.
Theo Bronkhorst is a hunting guide with Bushman Safaris. Honest Trymore Ndlovu owns the game farm where Palmer was hunting.
Zimbabwean prosecutors said the men tied a dead animal to their car as bait to lure the lion out of a national park. If convicted, the men face up to 15 years in prison each.
Palmer has not been charged, but protesters are calling for him to be extradited back to Zimbabwe to face poaching charges.
RELATED: Good Question: Why Are We So Passionate About Animals?
Hundreds packed Palmer's business parking lot Wednesday. Patients WCCO spoke with said they don't plan to return.
The Bloomington Police Department has installed a remote surveillance system in the parking lot. They want to make sure that when someone isn't patrolling the area, and still have eyes on the Palmer's business to prevent vandalism and any other type of illegal activity.