Cecil is a male lion who gained international attention after being killed by a hunter in July 2015 in Zimbabwe. He was a well-known figure in the Hwange National Park and was part of a research project led by the University of Oxford. His death sparked global outrage and raised awareness about wildlife conservation and the ethics of trophy hunting. Cecil was approximately 13 years old at the time of his death and was recognized for his distinctive black mane. He was often photographed by tourists and researchers, contributing to the popularity of eco-tourism in the region. His story highlighted the challenges faced by lions and other wildlife in the face of human activities.