The killing of a collared lion involved in a research project in Zimbabwe by a trophy hunter has been condemned by wildlife groups, echoing the infamous case of a lion called Cecil whose death at the hands of an American tourist in the same country a decade ago was met with international outrage.

Blondie, a well-known lion in Zimbabwe, was killed by a trophy hunter whose professional guide claims the hunt was conducted legally and ethically.

The lion had been wearing a collar used by a university team to study its movements and support long-term conservation efforts. Simon Espley, CEO of Africa Geographic, a safari co