The internet is currently going mental after an American Dentist hunted and killed one of the most famous and oldest Lions in Africa, Cecil.

In some disturbing details, it has been revealed that the Lion was skinned and beheaded and in a breach of park rules at Hwange National Park Zimbabwe, the GPS collar was removed after the killing.

An unidentified Lion with the American Dentist and guide (via Metro)

The man in question is a known game hunter and, according to a spokesman, had obtained all of the required legal documents to hunt there for a reported 35k. 

‘What he’ll tell you is that he had the proper legal permits and he had hired several professional guides, so he’s not denying that he may be the person who shot this lion. He is a big-game hunter; he hunts the world over.’ he told The Guardian.

But the internet is not happy because the beast was lured with bait, wounded a with a bow and arrow and then hunted for 2 days while inured - eventually being shot with a rifle.

Animal Lover Ricky Gervais was one of the first to react to the news on Twitter, and needless to say wasn't impressed with the hunter.