A Pittsburgh doctor accused of illegally killing a lion less famous than Cecil in Zimbabwe is disputing the claims, saying he was not in the country at the time authorities say he was.
Jan Seski — a gynecologist oncologist who practices in Pittsburgh — was accused by the Zimbabwe government on Sunday of illegally hunting down a lion in April. The announcement came days after international outrage over the death of Cecil the lion, who was killed by American dentist Walter Palmer.
Zimbabwe's environment minister has called for Palmer to be extradited over the allegedly illegal hunt, describing him as a "foreign poacher."
On Sunday, the Zimbabwe government accused Seski of using a bow and arrow to kill a lion without approval in April in an area where the hunt was not allowed.
But on Tuesday, Seski released a statement through his attorney saying he was not in Zimbabwe in April when the government claims the illegal hunt took place.
"During April of this year, Dr. Seski was at his home in the Pittsburgh area treating the cancer patients that rely on him for their care," according to the statement provided to BuzzFeed News.
According to his attorney, Gregory Linsin, the doctor did travel to Zimbabwe in July 2014 and "participated in a lawfully permitted hunt."
"During this trip, Dr. Seski did lawfully hunt and take a lion," Linsin said. "He ensured that he was at all times in compliance with all rules, regulations and laws, and had the necessary permits required by Zimbabwe."