CALGARY — An international hunting group has decided to move its fundraiser away from its scheduled venue at the Calgary Zoo.
The zoo came under criticism from an animal rights group for allowing the Calgary chapter of Safari Club International to hold the fundraiser at the zoo next April.
Trophy hunting has come under intense pressure since U.S. dentist Walter Palmer killed a protected lion named Cecil while on a guided hunt in Zimbabwe.
The event is to include auctions for several hunting trips including a 10-day safari in Africa with the chance to hunt 23 different species including impalas, gazelles and leopards.
David Little of Safari Club International says the fundraiser is being moved to prevent any further criticism of the Calgary Zoo.
Zoo spokeswoman Trish Exton-Parder says the move was the Safari Club's idea and is in "the best interest of all."
