Nine cheetahs from Botswana arrive at Kuno national park

New Delhi: Nine cheetahs from Botswana reached Kuno national park in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, taking India’s total cheetah count to 48.

Transported from Africa by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster and later to Kuno by IAF helicopters, the six females and three males were released into the quarantine facility by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

The animals would undergo an acclimatisation and health monitoring phase before a decision was made on their release into the larger landscape, such as Kuno or Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, sources said.

With this addition, the cheetah population at Kuno stands at 48, including 28 Indian-born cubs. All cheetahs are currently healthy and doing well.

In December 2024, India initiated discussions with Bostwana on the trans-continental delivery of cheetahs. Eleven months later, when President Droupadi Murmu visited Botswana, eight cheetahs were formally handed over to India. They were released into quarantine enclosures at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

An Indian delegation reviewed quarantine arrangements, assessed enclosure conditions, and ensured readiness for international transfer. In December 2025, a Botswana delegation visited India to review final logistical preparations.

This is the third batch of African cheetahs inserted into Kuno, following eight animals airlifted from South Africa in Sept 2022 and 12 from South Africa in Feb, 2023. Of the first 20 cheetahs, 11 are currently surviving.