Cecil the lion killer comes out of hiding

Cecil, a 13-year-old lion who was beloved by visitors and park rangers at his home in Zimbabwe, was killed last month by an American dentist on a hunting trip. Photo / AP

US dentist Walter Palmer has been spotted in public for the first time since he went into hiding six weeks ago amid international furore over the slaying of Cecil the lion.

British newspaper The Daily Telegraph published photos of Dr Palmer in his hometown in Minnesota wearing dark sunglasses a red shirt and jeans.

The Telegraph reported that his return came at the same time as a letter announcing the dental practice he owns was reopening without him.

Exclusive: #CecilTheLion's killer Walter Palmer pictured for first time since Zimbabwe hunt http://t.co/daAkrKhcus pic.twitter.com/Cu09IlyzRS

— Telegraph World News (@TelegraphWorld) August 17, 2015

The website for the dental practice was not running, but a Twitter account set up for the practice posted the letter online.

"Today, River Bluff Dental employees and dentists are beginning to serve our loyal patients," the letter said.

"Dr Palmer is not on site. Our employees have no comment."

"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."

Dr Palmer is reported to have paid about US$61,000 ($92,000) to hunt a lion and shot Cecil on July 1 on private land. He believed the hunt was legal.

He could face a five-year jail term in the US and a US$20,000 fine for breaching the Lacey Act, which enforces the legal protection for endangered species.