In early July, an animal icon was illegally killed and no one could have predicted the global outrage that ensued last Tuesday.

Cecil the Lion was 13 years old and a popular lion in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, known for his black mane. He was protected and collared for observation by Oxford University.

It all started when reports emerged that Zimbabwean officials were on the hunt for an American dentist, Dr. Walter Palmer of Minnesota, who is responsible for Cecil's death. Several news outlets have plastered Palmer's picture all over their broadcasts and social media.

Palmer has denied that he knew the lion he took illegally was the famous Cecil. Animal activists and journalists are wondering how that is possible, since Palmer allegedly lured the big cat out of the park with an animal carcass attached to his vehicle.

Cecil was found headless and skinned, being picked at by scavenger animals outside the park.

Big game and exotic animal hunters argue that their actions are helping conservation because of how much money they spend per head. Hunters like Palmer explain that the money they dish out for an animal often goes to service the people of the (usually poor) nation that houses it.The price of a lion is $23,000 and above, but an elephant is at least $42,000, making it the most expensive "trophy." Palmer spent $50,000 for his latest hunt.

Celebrities - like actor and long-time "animal avenger" Ricky Gervais, and actress Olivia Wilde - have shared the public's anger and have taken to social media to express it.

Animal activists published Palmer's office address and destroyed his business via horrible Yelp reviews. His business has since shut down.

Zimbabwe has called for Palmer's extradition. The dentist was in hiding most of the week, but is now in contact with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This isn't the first time Palmer has been in legal trouble for hunting. In 2008, he was convicted of killing a black bear 40 miles outside of the permitted hunting area in Wisconsin, and moving the dead body in order to falsify statements on where the bear was killed. He was sentenced one year probation and a $3,000 fine.

Conservationists reminded the public that when an alpha lion is killed or disowned by his pride, the new male will often kill the old cubs so the lionesses will mate with him. Cecil left behind about 24 cubs. It was feared that they would be killed by the next lion in the hierarchy: Jericho, Cecil's brother. To everyone's surprise, Jericho continued to protect the cubs along with the rest of the pride.

Conflicting reports about Jericho's safety emerged Saturday afternoon, after the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force tweeted that Jericho was also gunned down illegally. An Oxford University researcher, who has spent years studying the brothers, stated that the GPS on Jericho was working and showed movement, and that they were seeking to "clarify conflicting reports."