US airlines ban big game hunting trophies
Delta and United Airlines have moved to ban all trophy hunting shipments as a worldwide backlash against big game hunting tourism continues.
Delta said in a statement it would ban all shipments worldwide with immediate effect.
"Delta’s strict acceptance policy called for absolute compliance with all government regulations regarding protected species."
"Delta will also review acceptance policies of other hunting trophies with appropriate government agencies and other organizations supporting legal shipments."
Previously Delta only banned them from countries where big game hunting was illegal.
It will no longer allow the carriage of lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies.
Delta is the only airline that flies to South Africa.
United said it will also issue a blanket ban on hunting trophies.
"We felt it made sense to do so,"said United spokesman Charles Hobart.
American Airlines also said it would do the same.
The announcements come amid a global backlash after US tourist Walter Palmer killed a well-loved lion in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe government has called for the extradition of Palmer to face possible charges of unlawfully killing Cecil the lion.
Palmer has been lying low for several days amid growing anger in the US.
Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates and Qatar Airways are among the growing number of international airlines to have already banned trophy hunting shipments.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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