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Cecil the lion among animals honored in Empire State Building lights


By Evelyn Andrews, Special to CNN



Updated 1007 GMT (1707 HKT) August 3, 2015































Endangered animals light up Empire State 05:46



(CNN)Cecil the lion was among a group of endangered species honored on a canvas 1,250 feet tall on the Empire State Building.

The Empire State Building's famous light displays were used to draw attention endangered wildlife. Along with Cecil, whose death has sparked international outrage, a snow leopard, tigers, lemurs, and various snakes, birds and sea creatures were projected onto the building.

The spectacle was staged to promote the documentary "Racing Extinction," a production of the Oceanic Preservation Society. Cecil wasn't included in the presentation originally but was added to honor him after he was killed, an Oceanic Preservation Society spokesperson said.

With the help of 40 projectors, images of the endangered wildlife moved across the south side of the building, dazzling viewers on the street and in nearby buildings. The moving images were a first for the Empire State Building, which is normally lit with colors and the occasional light show.

The project cost $1 million, according to The New York Times.









CNN's Henry Hanks contributed to this report.