Air Canada says it will no longer transport big-game hunting trophies after the killing of Cecil the lion drew international attention. A company spokesman says the airline will no longer carry trophies from lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and water buffaloes.  Air Canada joins at least a half dozen other airlines that have banned the transportation of big-game trophies in the past few weeks, including Air France, Delta Air Lines and Qantas. Other airlines, including Emirates, Lufthansa and British Airways, brought in a similar ban in April. 

Air Canada says the same ban does not extend to black or grizzly bears, among the trophy animals most likely to be hunted in Canada. The airline said it would allow transportation of those bear trophies which are legal to trade under CITES and Canadian rules and that could include polar bears. Export permits are required to ship polar bear skins.

WestJet points out it does not serve destinations where hunters can take Big Five animals, including lions and elephants, but says it would not carry Big Five trophies. It will however carry elk, deer, bears or any other animal that has been legally hunted.