BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota dentist at the center of an uproar over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe has returned to his clinic after weeks out of the public eye.

Walter Palmer entered his Bloomington clinic at about 7 a.m. Tuesday without a word to media gathered outside. He parked nearby and walked to his clinic from the street. A staff member met him on the sidewalk, grabbed his arm and parted a throng of media to rush him to the front door.

Just a few protesters gathered outside the clinic.  One was Cathy Pierce, who was wearing a shirt with Cecil's photo.  She yelled "Extradite Palmer" as he entered his clinic.

Zimbabwe has not sought Palmer's extradition. Palmer says he believes he did nothing illegal, and that it's unfair the protesters are targeting his family and staff. Pierce says she's only targeting Palmer, who she says should face punishment in Zimbabwe.

A woman who lives near the clinic says people should leave Palmer alone.

Stephanie Michaelis 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 abortions and threats to human life.

She calls the protesters "crazies."

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