India to Release Cheetahs into Wild as Part of Conservation Efforts

The phased release at Kuno National Park aims to reintroduce cheetahs to Indian forests after decades of extinction.

India plans to release cheetahs from Kuno National Park into the wild by the end of October, following a phased approach recommended by the Cheetah Steering Committee.
Since the project began in 2022, 20 cheetahs have been brought to India from Namibia and South Africa, with 24 cheetahs, including 12 cubs, currently residing in Kuno.
The project has faced challenges, including the death of eight adult cheetahs, but has seen success with 17 cubs born in India, 12 of which have survived.
Negotiations are ongoing with South Africa and Kenya to import more cheetahs, and there are plans to expand the cheetah population to other wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums suspended Delhi Zoo's membership due to concerns about the treatment of an African elephant, prompting efforts to import female elephants from Botswana and Zimbabwe.