The cheetah population in Kuno National Park is set to grow again, as a female cheetah named ‘Veera’ from South Africa is expecting cubs

Bhopal : In Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district, the Kuno National Park, which hosts cheetahs relocated from South Africa and Namibia under the Cheetah Project, is about to witness an increase in its cheetah population. The park management has confirmed that the female cheetah ‘Veera,’ brought from South Africa, is pregnant and is expected to give birth soon. The management is currently focusing on taking special care of her.

Uttam Kumar Sharma, the Project Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Kuno, stated on Monday that Veera is likely to give birth soon. A dedicated team of two people is monitoring her round the clock, and CCTV cameras have been increased in her movement areas to ensure her safety.

He added that Veera will be the fourth female cheetah to give birth on Indian soil. Previously, Asha, Gamini, and Jwala have already given birth to cubs in Kuno. Asha gave birth to three cubs on December 26, who are now ten months old. Jwala gave birth to four cubs in January, and Gamini made history by delivering six cubs in March. Unfortunately, two of Gamini’s cubs did not survive. Currently, Kuno hosts 12 adult cheetahs—five males and seven females. Additionally, there are 12 cubs, all of which are healthy.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav congratulated the forest department officials and staff on this news. He expressed his joy on social media, stating, “Happiness is on the way at Kuno… Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, the ‘Cheetah State’ of India, is about to witness the birth of new cubs from a female cheetah. This news is a significant milestone for the ‘Cheetah Project.’ The project, initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is proving instrumental in improving ecological balance.”

It is noteworthy that under the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park on his birthday on September 17, 2022. Following that, on February 18, 2023, 12 cheetahs from South Africa were introduced into the park. So far, eight of these cheetahs have died in Kuno.