Toy-maker Ty Inc. creates 'Cecil the Lion' Beanie Baby

CHICAGO -- Toy-maker Ty Inc. has created a "Cecil the Lion" Beanie Baby to raise funds for animal conservation efforts.

Creation of the toy comes after an American dentist was accused of killing the well-known lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe in an allegedly illegal hunt. The incident set off a worldwide uproar

Ty Inc. CEO Ty Warner said Monday the company, based in the Chicago suburb of Westmont, hopes the Beanie Baby will raise awareness for animal conservation and "give comfort to all saddened by the loss of Cecil."

Walter Palmer, the dentist who killed a beloved lion during a hunting trip in Zimbabwe, sent a letter apologizing to his patients while thanking them for their support.