Sheopur (MP), February 18 Cheetah 'Gamini' has given birth to three cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, bringing the total number of these big cats in India to 38, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Wednesday.
Describing it as a "remarkable" success of the government's ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, Yadav said it is a powerful symbol of the country's determined and historic conservation efforts.
Gamini was relocated to India from South Africa as part of the ambitious project launched in September 2022 to revive the population of the world's fastest land animal in India, which had become extinct decades ago.
Yadav, in a post on X, said, "Kuno welcomes three new cubs - a new chapter begins at Kuno on the occasion of the completion of 3 years since cheetahs arrived from South Africa. Celebrations are echoing through Kuno National Park as Gamini, the South African cheetah and second-time mother, has given birth to 3 new cubs."
This joyous arrival marks the ninth successful cheetah litter on Indian soil and takes the number of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27, he said.
With these newest additions, India's total cheetah population has now reached 38 - a powerful symbol of the country's determined and historic conservation effort, Yadav highlighted.
Each birth strengthens the foundation of the Project Cheetah and reflects the passion, perseverance, and round-the-clock dedication of the field staff and veterinary teams who have nurtured this dream into reality, he said.
"A moment of pride for Kuno, and for India—may Gamini and her three little cubs grow strong and carry the nation's cheetah revival story forward with speed and grace," the minister added.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav noted that Madhya Pradesh is a powerful center for cheetah reintroduction.
This is a historic achievement for the entire country in the direction of wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and environmental balance, the CM said in a post on X.
It is a matter of immense joy that under Project Cheetah, the female cheetah 'Gamini' who arrived from South Africa has given birth to three cubs, he said.
"With the completion of three years of cheetahs' arrival at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, this is the 9th successful birth (of a litter). The total number of cheetahs in India has now increased to 38," Yadav added.
Earlier this month, cheetah Aasha, relocated to India from Namibia, gave birth to five cubs in KNP.
