Lion Star Blondie: Victim of Hunters for £35,000

Blondie the lion, known for his appearances in tourist photos, has fallen victim to hunters in Zimbabwe. The hunters allegedly lured the lion out of the protected area of Hwange National Park.

According to reports, the hunters received £35,000 (approximately €40,000) for Blondie's death. They also allegedly posed over the animal's corpse before taking the photo down from the internet.

Experts from the University of Oxford had fitted Blondie with a collar three months ago to monitor his movements. The incident brings back memories of the killing of Cecil the lion in 2015, which caused global outrage and led to changes in lion protection laws in Zimbabwe.

Hunters do not seem deterred by the consequences, as they continue to target well-known animals, with the 'prices' for a lion exceeding £25,000.