An animal rescue group has rejected a cash donation from a Mesa restaurant owner who sold lion burgers because of what the owner said was his "blood money."
Il Vinaio (vin-EYE'-oh) owner Cameron Selogie (sil'-OH'-jee) promised to donate $100 sold to Arizona Rescue from last weeks sales of lion burgers. He asked those protesting against the burger sales to donate as well.
Arizona Rescue spokeswoman Jennifer Berry said she was planning to return the donation because they did not want to "profit from the killing of cats, albeit lions."
The burgers, made with approximately 20 percent beef and African lion meat, sold out.
The lion burger was never on the menu and only customers in their e-mail newsletter program originally heard about the special.
