Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh), March 9 – Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh celebrated another significant achievement in India’s cheetah program on Monday as Namibian female cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs, bringing the total number of cheetah cubs born in India to 33.
Jwala, who was part of the first group of eight cheetahs brought from Namibia to Kuno on September 17, 2022, has now given birth to cubs for the third time since her relocation to India.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the news, calling it a proud moment for the Cheetah Project. He stated that Jwala, a successful mother for the third time, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, marking another milestone in India's wildlife conservation efforts.
"With this birth, the number of thriving Indian-born cheetah cubs has risen to 33. This is also the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil," the minister said in a post on X.
He added that this achievement reflects the dedicated efforts and commitment of veterinarians, forest officials, and field staff working on the ground to ensure the success of the cheetah reintroduction program.
"With the arrival of these cubs, the total cheetah population in India has now reached 53," he said.
This development comes over a week after the third group of nine cheetahs – six females and three males – was brought from Botswana and released at Kuno National Park by the Union Environment Minister on February 28.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also expressed happiness over the birth of the cubs and termed it a historic moment for wildlife conservation.
"Cheetah Jwala has given birth to five cubs, marking another major milestone for the Cheetah Project. With this, India’s cheetah population has crossed the half-century mark, reaching 53," the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
He added that this was a proud moment for the country and a strong testament to the success of India's cheetah reintroduction efforts.
Last month, another cheetah named Gamini also gave birth to four cubs at Kuno National Park, further strengthening the growing cheetah population in the country.
