Zimbabwe confirms lion named Jericho has not been shot

FILE - In this image takem from a November 2012 video made available by Paula French, a well-known, protected lion known as Cecil strolls around in Hwange National Park, in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's wildlife minister says extradition is being sought for Walter Palmer, the American dentist who killed a Cecil. (Paula French via AP) FILE - In this image takem from a November 2012 video made available by Paula French, a well-known, protected lion known as Cecil strolls around in Hwange National Park, in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's wildlife minister says extradition is being sought for Walter Palmer, the American dentist who killed a Cecil. (Paula French via AP)

By Associated Press August 2, 2015 1 min read

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) – Zimbabwe wildlife authorities have dismissed a report of the shooting death of a male lion who was a companion of Cecil, a well-known lion killed by an American hunter in early July.

The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority released a photograph of the lion named Jericho that it said was taken Sunday morning.

A statement from the authority says Jericho “is still alive and being monitored” by Brent Stapelkamp, who is following Jericho’s movements with the help of a satellite collar on the lion.

The Facebook page of a group called the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force said Saturday that Jericho was killed.

Cecil’s killing earlier this month sparked an international outcry. Zimbabwean authorities called it an illegal hunt.