The US dentist who killed a lion in Zimbabwe should be extradited to face charges, Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Oppah Muchinguri has said.

Walter Palmer’s extradition was being sought so that he could “be held accountable for his illegal action,” she said.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service was contacted by a representative of Mr Palmer on Thursday.

The contact comes as US authorities continue to investigate the hunt.

Mr Palmer, from Minnesota, is believed to have paid about $50,000 (£32,000) to hunt the lion, known as Cecil.

He says he thought the hunt was legal and was unaware Cecil was protected.