American Hunter Defends Trophy Kill Photos

A US hunter who sparked public outrage after posting pictures of herself next to a dead giraffe has defended her actions.

Sabrina Corgatelli's images on her Facebook page unleashed a torrent of online abuse in the wake of the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe by US dentist Walter Palmer.

But speaking on the US-based Today show, Ms Corgatelli hit back at her critics.

"Everything I've done here is legal, so how can you fault somebody because of their hobbies?" she said.

Sabrina Corgatelli says the impala is an "African icon". Picture: Facebook

"To me it's not just killing an animal, it's the hunt.

"Everybody just thinks we're cold-hearted killers, and it's not that. There is a connection with 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."

Ms Corgatelli put the photos on her Facebook page with the accompanying comment: "Such a (sic) amazing animal!! I couldn't be any happier!! My emotion after getting him was a feeling I will never forget!!!".

She has also uploaded photos of several other kills, including a warthog, an impala, and a wildebeest. The photos were taken during a legal hunting trip in South Africa, US news reports said.

Mr Palmer is facing calls for his extradition to Zimbabwe to face justice for killing Cecil.

Two Zimbabwean men allegedly hired by Mr Palmer have already appeared in court on charges of poaching.