The killing of the lion Cecil has me wondering: Why do lions have higher moral status than cows, chickens, and pigs when they're all animals?

When the lion was killed, it produced a considerable backlash. Yet, thousands of cows, chickens, and pigs are slaughtered everyday and there is no outrage. What is it about the lion that gives it higher status? Is it because the lion is beautiful and majestic while cows and pigs are foul smelling and ugly? Sorry to be cliche, but it looks like "all animals are equal but some are more equal than others."

Can any of the leftists philosophers here explain why this is?