(CNN) — Cecil the lion was among a group of endangered species honored on a canvas 1,250 feet tall on the Empire State Building.
The spectacle was staged to promote the documentary "Racing Extinction," a production of the Oceanic Preservation Society. Cecil wasn't included in the presentation originally but was added to honor him after he was killed, an Oceanic Preservation Society spokesperson said.
With the help of 40 projectors, images of the endangered wildlife moved across the south side of the building, dazzling viewers on the street and in nearby buildings. The moving images were a first for the Empire State Building, which is normally lit with colors and the occasional light show.
The project cost $1 million, according to The New York Times.
CNN's Henry Hanks contributed to this report.