In the aftermath of Cecil the Lion's death, many are seizing the opportunity to raise awareness for the quickly disappearing population of big felines in the wild.
National Geographic is supporting crucial conservation efforts through their Big Cats Initiative... Crucial, because in 2014, there were an estimated 34,000 lions in Africa, down from 250,000 in 1975. Now, animal lovers the world over are clamoring to protect these beloved creatures before their numbers dip any lower.
In December 2015, the Obama administration even placed the majestic felines under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, classifying lions from central and West Africa as endangered and lions from southern and East Africa as threatened. Wayne Pacelle, the head of the U.S. Humane Society, one of five conservation groups that petitioned to have the lion listed, told the New York Times that he believed the killing of Cecil was "a defining moment" which galvanized public attention.