The first day back after a long weekend is always tough.
For dentist Walter Palmer, this might be one of the most stressful workdays of his life.
Palmer, the man who faced an avalanche of online criticism after hunting and killing Cecil the Lion, is set to return to his suburban Minneapolis dental practice today.
After laying low for over a month, Palmer is trying to get back into the swing of things.
In an interview published Monday with the Star Tribune, Palmer said his patients want him back.
"I need to get back to my staff and my patients, and they want me back. That's why I'm back," said Palmer.
Palmer revealed his family had been threatened on social media, and maintained to the Tribune he was ignorant about the significance of Cecil.
“I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt."
Palmer has yet to be charged with any crimes related to the hunt.