Threats Escalate Against Rhino Hunt Winner as Debate Intensifies

Auction winner Corey Knowlton stands by hunt for conservation.

On May 20, 2015, hunter Corey Knowlton killed the black rhino he had received the permit for in Namibia, saying his fee of $350,000 will all be earmarked for conservation. Controversy continues to surround the hunt.

The death threats against Corey Knowlton have escalated, even as the hunter defends his right to shoot an African black rhinoceros as a way to raise money for conservation.

But some conservation groups have condemned the hunt as sending the wrong signal about saving endangered species.

Dallas-based Knowlton, 35, was identified as the auction winner on social media, and he is currently holed up in a hotel room in Las Vegas, according to media reports.

He contacted the FBI about an onslaught of death threats against him and his family, and he has retained a private security firm for protection.

On that same Facebook page, one person wrote, "You are a BARBARIAN. People like you need to be the innocent

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