When were cheetahs released in Kuno National Park?

Three cheetahs were released into the wild at Kuno National Park on International Cheetah Day, December 4th.

How many cheetahs are currently in India's Kuno National Park?

As of December 4th, India's cheetah population stands at 32, with 29 located in Kuno National Park.

What is Project Cheetah?

Project Cheetah is an initiative to reintroduce cheetahs to India, involving translocations from African countries and aiming for successful breeding and population growth.

Home / Environment / Cheetahs Roam Free: Kuno Park Celebrates Wild Return

Cheetahs Roam Free: Kuno Park Celebrates Wild Return

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Three cheetahs released into the wild at Kuno National Park.
Third-generation cheetah cubs were born to an Indian-born mother.
India's cheetah population now stands at 32, with more expected.

Cheetahs Roam Free: Kuno Park Celebrates Wild Return

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently released three cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park, coinciding with International Cheetah Day. This act signifies a major advancement in India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, which commenced in September 2022 with the translocation of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.

The initiative has seen remarkable success with the birth of third-generation cubs, indicating a thriving cheetah population within the Kuno ecosystem. The current count of cheetahs in India has reached 32, with a majority residing in Kuno National Park and others relocated to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conservation efforts are set to expand with the anticipated arrival of eight more cheetahs from Botswana. This ongoing Project Cheetah aims to bolster wildlife conservation and has also led to a significant increase in tourism in the Sheopur-Kuno region, promising new economic avenues for local communities.