Three new cubs born to Cheetah Gamini in MP’s Kuno, India’s count rises to 38

In a fresh boost to India’s ambitious wildlife revival mission , South African cheetah Gamini has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, taking the country’s total cheetah population to 38 .

Announcing the development, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav described it as a “roaring” success of Project Cheetah , calling it a powerful symbol of India’s determined and historic conservation effort. The birth coincides with the completion of three years since cheetahs were reintroduced to India from South Africa in September 2022.

Gamini, a second-time mother , was among the cheetahs translocated under the government’s ambitious reintroduction programme aimed at reviving a species that had gone extinct in India decades ago. With this development, officials said, India has recorded its ninth successful cheetah litter on native soil, and the number of surviving Indian born cubs has risen to 27 .

Each new birth strengthens the foundation of the project and reflects the sustained efforts of wildlife experts, veterinarians and field staff who continue to monitor the animals round the clock.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the moment a historic achievement for wildlife conservation, biodiversity and ecological balance, noting that the state is emerging as a key centre for cheetah reintroduction.

Earlier this month, Namibian cheetah Aasha also delivered five cubs at Kuno, reinforcing optimism around India’s bold experiment to restore the world’s fastest land animal to its former habitat.