Cheetah Gamini and her four cubs were released into the wild at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, increasing the number of free-roaming cheetahs to 17, while nine remain in enclosures. This move enhances tourist opportunities to spot the big cats during safaris.
Gamini, a South African female cheetah, and her 12-month-old cubs (two males and two females) were released in the Khajuri forest area of KNP, according to Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Uttam Kumar Sharma. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called it a significant milestone for the cheetah project and biodiversity in Asia. He emphasized the project’s impact on tourism, employment, and economic growth in the Chambal region.
The forest department confirmed Gamini and her cubs are healthy. Their release in the Ahera tourism zone is expected to enhance wildlife experiences for visitors. Gamini had originally given birth to six cubs on March 10, 2024, but two did not survive.
Earlier, on February 21, Cheetah Jwala and her four cubs were also released into the wild. With this, KNP now hosts 26 cheetahs, including 14 cubs born in India, as part of the ambitious cheetah restoration project initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
