The last known photograph of Cecil (lying down), with Jericho. The image was taken a month ago by Brent Stapelkamp

The news today is just hard to believe ... The brother of Cecil is now also dead: "Cecil's brother Jericho has been shot dead in Zimbabwe by illegal hunters, officials said Saturday. Jericho has been killed at 4pm today," the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force said in a statement. "We are absolutely heartbroken."

BTW: Prides of lions are dominated by several adult males which are often related. These males collectively defend a territory. If other males oust them, they often kill the cubs. So, Cecile's death made the cubs vulnerable and Jericho has been said to defend them. Now there is little hope left.