India prepares to welcome eight new cheetahs from Botswana this month

India is set to welcome eight more cheetahs from Botswana on February 28. The animals will arrive at Gwalior airport before being moved to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This latest translocation follows the historic reintroduction of cheetahs into the country in 2022.

The first batch of cheetahs was released into Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. Since then, the park's population has grown to 32, and the new arrivals will bring the total to 40.

The eight Botswana cheetahs will be placed in quarantine at Kuno for at least a month. After this period, some may be relocated to other sanctuaries. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur is expected to receive four more cheetahs, raising its count to seven. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagar is also preparing to take in at least four cheetahs once quarantine is complete.

Union Minister for Forest Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will attend the translocation event. The cheetahs will land at Gwalior airport before being transported by road to their new home in Kuno.

The arrival of these cheetahs will expand their presence across multiple wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. With Kuno's population reaching 40, the state continues its efforts to restore the species in India. The translocation process will be closely monitored by officials during and after quarantine.