Police in Zimbabwe want to find a Minnesota dentist accused of killing a beloved African lion earlier this month.  Conservation officials say the hunter and his team illegally lured the lion away from a park.

13-year-old Cecil was well know to visitors and locals in Western Zimbabwe.  Now, his death is sparking international outrage.  "There is no justification in killing an animal that wasn't bothering anybody else" said a British tourist.

Conservationists say Walter James Palmer and two guides illegally lured the lion off  protected land then shot the animal with an arrow.  But that didn't kill Cecil.  Instead, conservationists say the men tracked the lion and nearly two days later shot him to death.

The dentist's practice is now closed, with a note with contact information on the door. Palmer released this statement:  
"To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt. I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion."