Kuno National Park Prepares for “Cheetah Half-Century” as 8 New Cheetahs Arrive from Abroad

Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh: Big news for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists: Kuno National Park is set to welcome eight more cheetahs from Botswana by 28 February 2026, as part of the state government’s ambitious plan to increase the cheetah population to 50 by the end of this year.

Recently, the female cheetah Gamini gave birth to three cubs on 18 February, adding to the park’s growing cheetah population. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the ongoing cheetah reintroduction efforts, stating that the initiative exemplifies “progress through nature” and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the program. He called Project Cheetah one of the world’s most successful wildlife conservation projects.

Three Years of Project Cheetah:
The government issued an official statement highlighting three successful years of Project Cheetah, which began in September 2022. The statement emphasized India’s achievements in reintroducing cheetahs to the country after their extinction and noted that the conservation journey has steadily moved toward sustainable success.

Cheetahs Adapting Well:
Cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa have adapted successfully to Indian conditions. With the birth of second-generation cubs at Kuno and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, the project demonstrates effective leadership and realization of Prime Minister Modi’s vision. Observing cheetahs running in Indian reserves has become an inspiring example of biodiversity conservation.

Previous Milestones:
On 17 September 2022, Prime Minister Modi released eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno’s protected enclosures, marking the formal start of the ambitious reintroduction project. On 18 February 2023, twelve more cheetahs arrived from South Africa. The government aims to establish a self-sustaining population of 60–70 cheetahs over an area of roughly 17,000 square kilometers by 2032. Plans also include a conservation breeding center in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat’s Kutch region.

Project Cheetah Planning Highlights:

1. Eight new cheetahs will arrive from Botswana by 28 February 2026, enhancing Kuno’s population.
2. CM Mohan Yadav has announced “Mission 50”, aiming to surpass 50 cheetahs within this year.
3. Female cheetah Gamini recently gave birth to three cubs, strengthening the project’s progress.
4. The initiative is described as a message of “progress through nature,” reflecting PM Modi’s vision.
5. Beyond Kuno, long-term plans include establishing cheetah habitats at Gandhi Sagar and Gujarat’s Banni grasslands.

With these new arrivals, Madhya Pradesh moves closer to its goal of reviving India’s cheetah population, creating a landmark success story in wildlife conservation.