A heartwarming scene unfolded at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur as South African cheetah ‘Gamini’ enjoyed the rain with her five adorable cubs. The delightful moment, captured in a video, showcases the familial harmony and playful antics of the cheetah family amidst nature’s embrace.
The video, shared by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, captures the joyous occasion as cheetah ‘Gamini’ and her cubs revel in the rain at Kuno National Park. The minister expressed his delight at witnessing this natural spectacle, highlighting the significance of this moment in the conservation efforts for cheetahs in India.
Earlier this year, on March 10, ‘Gamini’ gave birth to these five cubs, marking a significant milestone for the cheetah reintroduction project in India. With this birth, the total count of Indian-born cheetah cubs has risen to 13, showcasing the success of efforts to reintroduce these majestic animals to their native habitat.
Minister Bhupender Yadav commended the efforts of the forest officers, veterinarians, and field staff at Kuno National Park for creating a stress-free environment conducive to successful mating and birthing among the cheetahs. This nurturing environment has contributed to the growth of the cheetah population at the park, which now stands at 26 individuals, including ‘Gamini’ and her cubs.
The reintroduction of cheetahs to India began under the ambitious Project Cheetah in 2022, with eight cheetahs brought from Namibia. Subsequently, twelve more cheetahs from South Africa were translocated and released into Kuno National Park in February 2023, marking significant progress in the restoration of this species in the country.
Despite the successes, challenges remain evident in the conservation efforts. Earlier this year, a cheetah translocated from Namibia unfortunately passed away at Kuno National Park, highlighting the complexities involved in reintroducing and safeguarding these endangered animals.
Nevertheless, the birth of ‘Gamini’s’ cubs signifies a hopeful future for cheetah conservation in India, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to protect and nurture these magnificent creatures.
The heartwarming sight of ‘Gamini’ and her playful cubs enjoying the rain at Kuno National Park serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty of nature and the resilience of wildlife. As India progresses in its efforts to restore the cheetah population, each new cub represents a step forward in preserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for these endangered species.
Sources By Agencies