Biography of Cecil the Lion

Cecil was a magnificent male lion living in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, easily recognized by his majestic black-fringed mane and the GPS collar from an Oxford University research project. A symbol of African wilderness, he led the pride with quiet dignity and was a favorite among guides and photographers. On the night of July 1, 2015, Cecil was lured outside the park’s protected boundaries and tragically lost. The global outpouring that followed brought unprecedented attention to trophy hunting and wildlife conservation. His name became a rallying cry for stronger protections across Africa. Today, Cecil’s two surviving cubs and the continued work of conservationists honor his memory, reminding the world that every lion plays a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced and beautiful.