An Australian businessman is facing criticism after being pictured posing with dead animals on hunting trips in Africa.
The photos show Canberra resident Nick Haridemos alongside animals he supposedly shot and killed on several trips to the continent.
In one image, Mr Haridemos sits smiling in a car next to a slain baboon dressed in sunglasses and a hat.
In another image, Mr Haridemos leans on a dead bull elephant.
The images were reportedly first shared on a Photobucket account belonging to a "nickha1" and were taken between 2010 and 2016. They have since been removed.
Mr Haridemos with a bull elephant. Source: Twitter
Mr Haridemos' lawyer told The Canberra Times that his client did not deny posting the photos but stressed all the hunting trips were legal.
"Mr Haridemos has, on occasions, engaged in the activity of 'conservation hunting'," his solicitor told the newspaper.
"This is a regulated activity, which is undertaken in accordance with licences and quotas issued by the relevant country, and is conducted in a manner that does not pose a threat to any endangered species."
Mr Haridemos in Africa. Source: Twitter
But animal rights groups have slammed Mr Haridemos' actions.
CEO of Humane Society International Australia Erica Martin told SBS News she was "horrified" at seeing the photos.
"There are few things more sickening than seeing people posing for a photograph with slaughtered wildlife," she said.
"There was something particularly horrifying about the photos where the baboon was dressed up in costume, which made it even more offensive."
Ms Martin said trophy hunting remains legal in many countries - including those frequented by Mr Haridemos - but "should be pushed back in the past".
"The sight of people getting their kicks killing wildlife is something that people should refuse to tolerate."
