Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Monday that African cheetah 'Gamini' has surprised wildlife enthusiasts by giving birth to six cubs at Kuno National Park, contrary to earlier reports of five cubs. The South African cheetah, a first-time mother at the age of five, has delighted conservationists with this remarkable feat.
Yadav initially shared news on March 10 of Gamini's litter of five cubs. However, in a recent update on his official X account, he corrected the count, stating, "Gamini's legacy leaps forward! There is no end to joy: It is not five, but six cubs!" The minister shared visuals of the proud cheetah mother alongside her adorable offspring.
This development marks a significant addition to the cheetah population at Kuno National Park, which now stands at 27 individuals, inclusive of 14 cubs.
The journey of cheetah conservation at Kuno National Park has seen both triumphs and challenges. Last year, cheetah Jwala (also known as Siyaya) from Namibia gave birth to four cubs, with only one surviving. However, Jwala's second litter earlier this year, along with cheetah Aasha's three cubs, have contributed to the park's growing cheetah population.
The ambitious cheetah reintroduction project at Kuno National Park commenced in 2022 with the release of eight Namibian cheetahs, followed by the introduction of 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023. Gamini is among the cheetahs brought from South Africa.
Despite these positive developments, the conservation efforts have faced setbacks, with ten cheetahs, including three cubs born to Jwala, succumbing since March last year.
The birth of six cubs to Gamini underscores the resilience and potential of the cheetah population at Kuno National Park, offering hope for the success of ongoing conservation endeavors.
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