Hollywood star calls on Irish MMA champion to defend Cecil the lion

Aug 1, 2015

In case you missed it this week, there was outrage around the world when Cecil the lion was shot and killed with a crossbow for sport.

The protected animal was killed following a request put in by a U.S based dentist who paid for a hunt to be arranged in order to have the animal shot and killed.

Since then, people around the world have been very vocal about their outrage, so much so that the dentist has gone into hiding. Protests were staged outside of his practice and have forced Walter Palmer into hiding.

Palmer claims his innocence despite the huge social media backlash he has faced since the news came to light. Officials in Zimbabwe, where Cecil was a hugely popular attraction for tourists, are no saying that Walter could face legal action and a prison sentence, according to CNN.

I stand by u @jimmykimmel. making a donation to @WWF in hopes that C's death won't be forgotten. #RIPCecilTheLion pic.twitter.com/xNA4KTeTB1

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 29, 2015

Now though, the Terminator himself has called for action against Mr Palmer and he’s calling in a favour from one Irish sports star.

Before you shoot a lion, step in the octagon with @TheNotoriousMMA or @ChrisWeidmanUFC. Good luck! #5forBigCats https://t.co/1XwSdhVMZx

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) July 30, 2015

Arnold Schwarzenegger is calling on MMA fighter Conor McGreggor to defend the honour of Cecil the lion. In the past the Dublin native has spoken of his respect and love of wild animals. While in the U.S he told talk show host Conan O'Brien:

"I’m obsessed with animals. To watch them in their natural environment is pretty spectacular.”