Dr. Walter Palmer's dental office reopens

The River Bluff Dental offices in Bloomington, Minnesota reopened Monday morning, 2 1/2 weeks after Dr. Walter Palmer was identified as the hunter who killed Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. With private security at the entrance, patients and employees have been coming and going from the office, but Dr. Palmer is not present.

River Bluff Dental statement

Today, River Bluff Dental employees and dentists are beginning to serve our loyal patients. Dr. Palmer is not on site. Our employees have no comment. The media has already inquired at our homes, with our families, however we have no comment and will not entertain your questions or interview requests.

We are dental professionals committed to serve our patients and clients. Our office is private property. We ask the press to stay off the property and respect the peace of mind of our patients and clients.

River Bluff Dental is a private business. The employees and patients wish to get back to business as usual to serve our clients and patients, and maintain the jobs of dedicated professionals.

There will be no further comment, or anyone available to comment.

Thank you,

River Bluff Dental Staff

Palmer admitted to shooting the famous lion during a July hunt near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, but said he relied on his licensed guides and thought the hunt was legal under local rules. Since he was identified as the lion's killer, Palmer has been the subject of relentless protests. His vacation home in Marco Island, Florida was also vandalized.

Dr. Palmer's statement to media

“In early July, I was in Zimbabwe on a bow hunting trip for big game. I hired several professional guides and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted. I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt.

I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt. I have not been contacted by authorities in Zimbabwe or in the U.S. about this situation, but will assist them in any inquiries they may have. Again, I deeply regret that my pursuit of an activity I love and practice responsibly and legally resulted in the taking of this lion.”