BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota dentist who experienced a global backlash after killing Cecil the lion is expected to return to work after more than a month out of the public eye.
Walter Palmer was named in late July as the hunter who killed Cecil. In following days, he received threats, was vilified online and his office was the site of protests.
In an interview Sunday with The Associated Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune, Palmer said he feels safe enough to return to work today. He said his staff and patients want him back.
Palmer says he believes he acted legally and was stunned to learn his hunting party had killed a treasured animal.
Cecil was a fixture in the Hwange National Park and had a GPS collar as part of Oxford University research.