Bhopal: Female cheetah Gamini, brought from South Africa, has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park on Sunday. With this the total number of big cats in the country has reached to 26.
Sharing video of the new born babies, Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav said, “Female cheetah Gamini, age about 5 years, brought from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa, has given birth to 5 cubs today”.
“This takes the tally of the Indian born cubs to 13. This is the fourth cheetah litter on Indian soil and the first litter of cheetahs brought from South Africa” the Minister added.
Congratulating the team of forest officers, vets, and field staff, the Minister said, “Who have ensured a stress-free environment for cheetahs, which has led to successful mating and birth of the cubs. The total number of cheetahs, including cubs in Kuno National Park, is 26”.
Under the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, eight Namibian cheetahs, comprising five females and three males, were released into enclosures at KNP on September 17 in 2022.
In February 2023, another 12 cheetahs were brought to the park from South Africa, Gamini is part of the group brought from South Africa.
Since March last year, 10 cheetahs, including three cubs born to Jwala, have passed away. According to officials, the 26 cheetahs in Kuno National Park presently comprise seven females, six males and 13 cubs
