South African Cheetah Gives Birth To 5 Cubs In Kuno National Park, Big Cat Count Stands At 26

Since March last year, 10 cheetahs, including three cubs have passed away. Presently, the cheetah population in Kuno National Park comprises seven females, six males, and 13 cubs.

New Delhi: Cheetah 'Gamini' gave birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district, raising the total number of big cats in India to 26, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Sunday.

He further added that the tally of cheetah cubs born in India has now reached 13. This marks the fourth litter of cheetahs born in India and the first litter of cheetahs brought from South Africa, Yadav added.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change shared the news and wrote, “High Five, Kuno! 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."

Last year in March, cheetah Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) birthed four cubs, but only one survived. Jwala then delivered her second litter of four cubs in January this year, followed by cheetah Aasha giving birth to three cubs.

Yadav extended his congratulations to all involved, particularly the forest officers, veterinarians, and field staff, for creating a conducive environment for the cheetahs, resulting in successful mating and cub births. The total count of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno National Park now stands at 26.

“Congratulations to all, especially the team of forest officers, vets, and field staff 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. Gamini's legacy leaps forward: Introducing her adorable cubs,” Yadav wrote.

As part of the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, eight Namibian cheetahs, consisting of five females and three males, were released into enclosures at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. In February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs were transported to the park from South Africa, with Gamini being among them.

Since March last year, 10 cheetahs, including three cubs born to Jwala, have passed away. Presently, the cheetah population in Kuno National Park comprises seven females, six males, and 13 cubs, as per officials.