Donald Trump's Sons Defend Safari Killing Spree In Zimbabwe (PHOTOS)

Donald Trump has long faced criticism over his environmental track record. Now, it's his sons who are in the spotlight for similar behavior.

Animal rights group PETA is criticizing the pair after newly released photos show the brothers on a safari in Zimbabwe last year, where they hunted and killed a slew of animals.

"If the young Trumps are looking for a thrill, perhaps they should consider skydiving, bungee jumping, or even following in their anti-hunting father's footsteps and taking down competing businesses—not wild animals," PETA said in a statement to E! News.

First reported by Wildlife Extra, the images made their way to YouTube and show Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. posing with the hunted trophy game.

According to TMZ, the brothers managed to shoot a variety of animals, including an elephant, crocodile, kudu, civet cat and water buck.

In response to the criticism, the eldest Trump brother took to Twitter to defend their safari.

"I'm a hunter, for that I make no apologies," Donald Trump, Jr. said on Twitter. "I can assure you it was not wasteful the villagers were so happy for the meat which they don't often get to eat," he later added.

He later continued his defense, referring directly complaints that the animals he and his brother had killed, namely elephants, had shrinking populations.

"In some parts its over populated." “Bottom line with out hunters $ there wouldn't be much left of africa. Eco is nice but no $," he tweeted.

While trophy hunting is legal in many African countries -- often provided hunters buy expensive licenses -- conservationists believe the practice is responsible for the diminishing populations of many vulnerable, threatened or endangered species.

Trophy hunters argue the expensive licenses help pay for wildlife conservation, as the fees can be used to protect natural habitats.

While the number of animals that are allowed to be killed and exported is controlled by the UN-run Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Guardian explains that some argue the system is flawed given it's up to national governments -- some of which are short on cash -- to keep track and report the wildlife quotas.

Beyond trophy hunting, many groups are fighting to protect species threatened by poachers: just last November, the western Black Rhino of Africa was officially declared extinct by a conservation group.

According to TIME magazine's report "Killing Fields", Asian poachers and smugglers have posed as trophy hunters to access Africa's rare rhino horn.

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Comments

[Rooster Coburn]

02:00 AM on 11/07/2012

When wild animals can be harvested under legal and controlled conditions their populations thrive. Legal harvesting of wild animals is the only way to maintain viable populations of threatened species. Without legal harvesting, which is a revenue source for the local people, there is no incentive to protect habitat and to discourage poachers.

[phal4875]

12:47 PM on 05/27/2012

A courageous hunter with go after the animals with a knife, sword, or spear. The Trump boys probably shot the animals from the backs of elephants, using RPGs.

[Katherine Gullett]

07:26 PM on 04/17/2012

As long as a country allows the hunting people like this will kill. They probably will kill even if It is not allowed but then there will be legal repercussions.

[Susan McLean 12]

02:03 AM on 04/09/2012

Who are sponsors of the apprentice? People should email them and let them know exactly what they think. Plus the network that it is on. It is disgusting and they all should be apologizing.

[Vladimir Tarlo]

02:35 AM on 03/29/2012

Shame on Trump-Hunters.

[Vladimir Tarlo]

02:34 AM on 03/29/2012

Trump and his sons are cruel killers of innocent animals.

[Sally 2000]

07:39 PM on 03/26/2012

What joy do you get in traveling 10,000 miles from your designated territory into another man's backyard to then shoot and kill a free roaming exotic and exquisite animal? Will the subjugation of the whole world and its exotic creatures bring you the peace and happiness you so desperately seem to lack? Evil, Diabolical, Lecherous heathens. No amount of licensing will change that.

[phal4875]

12:49 PM on 05/27/2012

All the living Trumps benefited from the original work of Grandpa Trump. When one knows he is a fraud, it sometimes helps to kill an animal.

[New York Woman]

08:54 PM on 03/25/2012

To shoot an innocent, defenseless animal just to watch it die is SICK.

[joancj]

06:56 PM on 03/24/2012

Obviously Donald Trump hasn't raised his atrocious children to respect the world in which they live. I am so grossed out by these nasty, sick, over-indulged brats I can barely type. Killing these magnificent animals for "sport" and then taking your picture with an elephant's tail in one hand, a huge knife (gag) in the other and a triumphant smirk on your face is beyond revolting. Karma is a b**** and may she catch up with you both (& she always does) very, very soon!!!

[audra8]

08:45 PM on 03/20/2012

I will no longer watch the Celebrity Apprentice or any show associated with this family that uses its privilege to violate the world's most beautiful and rarest animals because with their wealth they legally can .
Compare their activites on the Continent of Africa to the actions of celebrities like Bono , Audrey Hepburn, Oprah, Princess Diana, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and so many other humanitarians. These are celebrities who can be proud of their use of their stature. By contrast the Trumps are a disgrace. True ugly Americans. Boycott their show and anyone who advertises on it. Boycott NBC if they ever use this family again.

[txlumpy]

08:29 PM on 03/19/2012

I've never heard of people eating leopard and I believe they are going extinct. will not watch show now that I know what kind of egos they have. Sad that they get a thrill from killing something. Losers

[wincanton man]

12:27 PM on 03/19/2012

There should have been pictures of them masturbating after the thrill of killing innocent animals. It would have shown these useless people in their true light.

[stoneglad]

11:34 AM on 03/19/2012

They say that killing animals is is a clear marker for people who will ultimately kill another human. What's next for these spoiled brats? Maybe they are destined to be the next Menendez Brothers....... Shameful

[Shenanigans Padunkadunk]

10:51 AM on 03/19/2012

someone should MAKE those two doodoo brained asses live and volunteer their time on the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary for a YEAR!!!!

[ArborialBiped]

08:02 PM on 03/18/2012

Arrogant? Of course -- Trump's the name.

Lack of thought for anyone and anything else? Ditto.

Obviously overcompensatingly macho actions and blather? Yes, scores the trifecta!