Letter from Walter Palmer to his Patients Regarding Killing of Cecil the Lion

[666]

River Bluff Dental

July 28. 2015

To my wlued patients:

As you may have already heard. I have been in the news over the last few
days for reasons that have nothing to do with my profession or the care I
provide for you. I want you to know of this situation and my involvement

ln addition to spending time with my family. one of my passions outside
dentistry is hunting. I've been a life-long hunter since I was a child growing
up in North Dakota. i don't ofien talk about hunting with my patients
because it can be a divisive and emotionally charged topic; I understand and
respect that not everyone shares the same views on hunting.

In early July, lwas in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game. I hired
several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my
knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and

conducted.

I had no idea that the lion I took was a known. local favorite, was collared
and part of a study until the end ol the hunt. I relied on the expertise ol my
local prolessional guides to ensure a legal hunt.

I have not been contaded by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the U.S. about
this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have.

Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice
responsibly and legally resulted in the taking ol this lion. That was never my
intention.

The media interest in this matter- along with a substantial number of
comments and calls lrorn people who are angered by this situation and by
the practice of hunting in general -- has disrupted our business and our
ability to see our patients. For that disruption. I apologize profoundiy lor this
inconvenience and promise you that we will do our best to resume normal
operations as soon as possible. We are working to have patients with
immediate needs referred to other dentists and will keep you informed of
any additional developments.

On behalf of all of us at River Blul'l Dental. thank you for your support.
Sincerely.

Walter J. Palmer, DDS
River Blufl Dental

[Riney]

I absolutely abhor the killing of any animal in this way. The human race has always killed animals to eat... and even now we do too much of that in my opinion. Trophy killing is disgusting and I have no respect for the people that do it.