Walter Palmer AP AP

THE AMERICAN DENTIST who killed Cecil the lion has returned to work.

AP reports that a small number of protesters were present when Walter Palmer arrived at his practice in Bloomington, Minnesota at 7am local time (1pm GMT).

Palmer faced a huge backlash and temporarily closed his practice after it emerged he reportedly paid $50,000 (€45,000) to kill Cecil at a park in Zimbabwe.

Palmer (left) with a different lion

Earlier this week, Palmer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune the criticism had been “especially hard on my wife and my daughter”.

He maintains he did nothing illegal and thinks it’s unfair the protesters are targeting his family and staff.

I need to get back to treating my patients. My staff and my patients support me, and they want me back. That’s why I’m back.

AP reports that police in Minnesota have said they’re hoping media attention surrounding Palmer will soon subside.

AP AP

Cathy Pierce, wearing a shirt with Cecil’s photo, shouted “Extradite Palmer” as the dentist entered the clinic today.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Michaelis, a woman who lives nearby, has been arguing with protesters outside the clinic. She says the uproar about Cecil’s death is unfounded and that people should be more concerned about issues such as abortion.

The AP quotes her as describing the protesters as “crazies”.

- with reporting from AP

Read: Dentist who shot Cecil questions ‘level of humanity’ of his critics

Read: Price of Cecil the Lion ‘killer dentist’ costume increased due to demand