News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A TV wildlife presenter is facing a barrage of criticism after posing with a lion she claimed to have shot during a hunt in South Africa.

Melissa Bachman - who presents American hunting show Winchester Deadly Passion - posted a picture on her Facebook account which showed her holding a gun and smiling next to the apparently dead male lion.

The image was posted along with the message: "An incredible day hunting in South Africa! Stalked inside 60-yards on this beautiful male lion... What a hunt!"

But the photograph led to a storm of criticism online, with the presenter branded "heartless" and "shameful".

Twitter user Gareth Pike said: "I've absolutely no words for this Melissa Bachman character.

"If she gets enjoyment from this then there is something seriously wrong."

Lisa Edwards added: "Shocked to read about Melissa Bachman, happily hunting beautiful animals in SA for entertainment. Shameful."

Even comedian Ricky Gervais expressed his disgust at the image, tweeting:

Bachman's own Twitter account now appears to have been closed down.

In South Africa, the picture has also prompted an online petition which calls on authorities to stop her going back into the country.

It has already gathered more than 7,000 signatures, and says: "[Bachman] is an absolute contradiction to the culture of conservation this country prides itself on. Her latest Facebook post features her with a lion she has just executed and murdered in our country.

"As tax payers we demand she no longer be granted access to this country and its natural resources."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Bachman's website says she films, edits and hunts for a living, and adds this is her "dream job".

The site and her Facebook page feature dozens of photos of her with animals she has killed, including an Alaskan brown bear.

Warning: You may find some of the pictures in this gallery distressing

Read more on animal welfare: