Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2015
Cecil the lion killing
SCI member Walter Palmer participated in the killing of Cecil, a lion in Zimbabwe tracked by an Oxford research project. The incident provoked global condemnation, and SCI suspended Palmer’s membership. Zimbabwe later dropped criminal charges against him.
1998
Elephant hunts in Mozambique
Behring and two SCI leaders were criticized over elephant killings in Mozambique, where sport hunting of elephants had reportedly been banned. Local officials questioned the permit, the alleged use of a helicopter, and missing tusks; participants disputed accusations of illegality.
1997
Ken Behring and Kara Tau argali controversy
Former SCI president and major donor Ken Behring was criticized after killing a rare Kara Tau argali in Kazakhstan. Questions about permits, conservation status, and the proposed transfer of the trophy to the Smithsonian generated public controversy; the Smithsonian later withdrew its import-waiver request and reviewed its acquisition policies.