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.

A well-known lion studied by University of Oxford academics has allegedly been killed by trophy hunters. Blondie, who was believed to be five-years-old and the dominant male in his pride, is thought to have been killed on the week commencing 29 June just outside of Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe.

The killing of Cecil ignited fury and protests against the hunter behind it—Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer—and brought attention to the issue of big game trophy hunting. Palmer reportedly paid $50,000 to his guides to help give him the opportunity to kill Cecil, which he did using a bow and arrow.