In commemoration of the anniversary of the death of Cecil the Lion, NPR’s “Here and Now” interviewed Cecil’s Pride author Craig Hatkoff and photographer/wildlife expert Brent Stapelkamp. Killed by a now-infamous hunter’s arrow in Zimbabwe, the shocking news of Cecil’s death became a phenomenon that spread across the world, creating an unprecedented outpouring of grief and anger. The magnificent black-mane lion quickly became the new global symbol for all endangered species.
The world knows the story of how Cecil died; Cecil’s Pride celebrates the incredible story of how he lived. The book’s spectacular photography is captured through the lens of wildlife researcher and expert Brent Stapelkamp, who studied Cecil for nine years, serving as his “keeper” and tracking his every move. Cecil’s Pride chronicles the life of a true lion king, his struggles and rise to power. It offers insights into the themes of collaboration and responsibility. Cecil’s story has awakened a new consciousness about conservation and created a call to action to put an end to poaching and illegal big-game hunting.
To learn more about Cecil’s Pride, check out the links below:
- New York Times Book Review review of Cecil’s Pride
- Chicago Tribune interview with Craig Hatkoff and Brian Stapelkamp
- The Dodo interview with Craig Hatkoff
- Time For Kids interview with Craig Hatkoff
- Publishers Weekly review of Cecil’s Pride
- Scholastic Reads Podcast interview with Craig and Isabella Hatkoff
