Difference being of course, that those examples are all treasured here in our own homeland, beloved by those local and even somewhat by a national population that can at least appreciate them.
If you're rich enough to travel to Africa and embark on a Zimbabwe safari, this lion may have in fact been well-known to you. I don't know.
I do know however that Zimbabweans could GAF about a lion.
Much like certain (perhaps most) Alabama fans who could give a shit about a tree.
And probably most Americans have neither heard of Cecil nor our beloved mascot or trees.
Sure our mascots are held close to home but I think this garners a worldwide affection towards creatures, plants, artifacts that should be treasured.
My speculation is that more people visited Cecil the Lion as folks visit our Raptor Center.
I find the story intriguing and close to home on my views regarding conservation.