This story is atrocious, and fascinating at the same time.
Atrocious for all the obvious reasons. But fascinating because it shows the attention that can be drawn when we name an animal and make him a 'celebrity' (FWIW, I had actually heard of Cecil the Lion before, having seen one of the researchers talking about him at a conference a few years ago where he acknowledged that Cecil's celebrity status made him a target and they all knew it was just a matter of time before this happened).
This kind of thing has gone on for years. This man himself has killed many beautiful, and more endangered animals than Cecil (the White Rhino for example). Indeed, the picture that is doing the rounds of him sitting next to a lion that he has killed isn't even Cecil, it's a different Lion, one he had killed previously. No one cared or noticed when that one was killed.
So this sudden outrage over Cecil is interesting. I think social media has played a huge part, and the press love a story, and a 'celebrity lion' is a great hook.
I think Cecil's death could mark a turning point in conservation. I'm sure it's already generated a huge amount of donations for the Oxford based research project. I hope it can keep up the momentum and really turn this event into a positive outcome.
And if I was running a conservation project, I'd be naming my animals and making celebrities out of them. It may well make them a target for trophy hunters, but it sure as hell shines the spotlight on their cause.
As for the Dentist - I'm sure his life is being very badly affected right now. I don't wish him harm. He too has it in his power to turn this into a good thing. Perhaps he'll see the error of his ways and become a conservationist... he could donate the $50,000 that he would have spent on his next hunt to the research project.
Good could come of this - what a great legacy that could be for Cecil.