An aerial photo honoring Cecil, the popular African lion killed last month on a trophy hunt by a Bloomington dentist, is being organized for Saturday at an East Side recreation center in St. Paul.

Event planner Kevin Foley said that he and artist John Quigley are hoping for 500 to 1,000 people to create "the world's largest human-made lion," the shape of which will be visible from the air.

The photo will be shot from either a helicopter or a drone, Foley said.

"This is about trying to show a positive image of participation by families and kids in a grass roots effort" to oppose the actions of dentist Walter J. Palmer, Foley said.

Palmer killed Cecil on July 1, sparking a worldwide protest. The nighttime hunt took place on private land and reportedly was illegal, despite Palmer's assertion that he believed it was legal and properly handled.

Quigley, who was born in St. Paul and now lives in California, has done more than 200 aerial photos featuring people. Participation is free; the only request is that people wear light-colored clothing (white, beige, gold or yellow) for better contrast.

The photo will be shot about 12:15 p.m. at Conway Community Recreation Center, 2090 Conway Av., a few blocks north of Interstate 94, although people should arrive well before then to be lined up.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE