Sabrina Corgatelli, an accountant for Idaho State University, appeared on NBC's "Today" show on Monday to defend trophy hunting amid mounting international outrage over last month's killing of Cecil, Zimbabwe's most famous lion, by an American dentist.
"Everybody thinks we're cold-hearted killers and it's not that," Corgatelli said in the nationally televised interview.
"There is a connection to the animal, and just because we hunt them doesn't mean we don't have a respect for them.
"Giraffes are very dangerous animals. They could hurt you seriously, very quickly."
Corgatelli first drew attention from a series of photos circulated via her Facebook account that showed her standing proudly with various animals she bagged in South Africa, including an impala, a warthog and a wildebeest.
Day #2 I got a amazing old Giraffe. Such a amazing animal!! I couldn't be any happier!! My emotion after getting him was a feeling I will never forget!!! Posted by Sabrina Corgatelli on Saturday, 25 July 2015
Her photos and upbeat commentary were juxtaposed with a torrent of hostile remarks posted by viewers who "liked" her Facebook entries in order to weigh in with denunciations such as: "Shame on you for slaughtering innocent animals."
13 inch wart hog!! What a fun hunt!!! Loving it here!! The guys at old days safari in South Africa have got me on another amazing animal. Posted by Sabrina Corgatelli on Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Idaho State issued a statement on Monday distancing itself from the controversy, saying it was not a university matter.
The outcry surrounding Corgatelli reverberated as fallout continued over the killing of Cecil the lion, with Zimbabwe's environment minister calling on Friday for extradition of Minneapolis dentist, Walter Palmer, 55, to face poaching charges.
Palmer has admitted killing the 13-year-old lion, which was fitted with a satellite-tracking collar, but said in a statement that he had hired professional guides and believed the required hunting permits were in order.
Ashley Byrne, a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said Palmer and Corgatelli have put the spotlight on expensive, guided tours overseas in which foreign clients are guaranteed a kill by local outfitters.
"These are self-promoting nobodies who pay a lot of money to travel the world to kill animals, just for thrills and to hang animal parts on their walls," she said.
