In a heartwarming scene captured at Kuno National Park, South African cheetah ‘Gamini’ and her five cubs were recorded enjoying the monsoon rain on a Friday morning. The video, shared by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, shows Gamini playfully interacting with her cubs, who also engage in playful antics with each other. This heartwarming moment showcases the natural harmony between the cheetah family and the seasonal embrace of nature.
Gamini gave birth to her five cubs at Kuno National Park earlier this year on March 10. This marked the fourth cheetah litter born on Indian soil and the first litter born to cheetahs brought from South Africa. The birth of these cubs increased the total number of Indian-born cheetah cubs to 13.
The reintroduction of cheetahs to India, a project that began in 2022, has been met with both excitement and hope. In 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were introduced to Kuno National Park, followed by the arrival of twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. While there have been some setbacks, including the death of a cheetah translocated from Namibia in January and the loss of seven adult cheetahs and three cubs since March 2023, the birth of Gamini’s cubs is a positive sign for the project’s success.
The successful breeding program at Kuno National Park is a testament to the dedication of the forest officers, vets, and field staff who have worked tirelessly to create a stress-free environment for the cheetahs. With 26 cheetahs, including cubs, now residing at the park, the reintroduction project continues to be a beacon of hope for the future of these magnificent animals in India.
