In a landmark event for wildlife conservation in India, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is set to release a female cheetah named Veera and her two ten-month-old cubs into the wilderness of Kuno National Park. This significant release is scheduled for Thursday, coinciding with International Cheetah Day, and marks a pivotal moment in the country's ambitious Project Cheetah.
A Family Steps into Freedom at Kuno
The release will occur in the Parond forest area, a zone within Kuno National Park designated for tourism. Officials believe the introduction of this cheetah family will not only boost ecotourism prospects but also foster greater public connection with the ongoing conservation efforts. Veera, translocated from South Africa, and her cubs have displayed excellent health and natural behavioural signs, confirming their readiness for a life of complete freedom in their new habitat.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Support Initiatives
Following the release, the forest department will not leave the animals unattended. An intensive monitoring protocol will be implemented using advanced radio-tracking technology and dedicated ground teams. This vigilant oversight aims to ensure the safe integration of the mother cheetah and her young ones into the wild ecosystem of Kuno.
The event will see the Chief Minister undertake several other important initiatives for the park. He will unveil the Kuno National Park Calendar for 2026 and formally launch the Field Manual for Clinical Management of Free-Ranging Cheetahs. This newly prepared guide is an essential resource for veterinarians and field staff handling cheetahs in open landscapes.
Further enhancing the visitor experience, CM Yadav will inaugurate a newly constructed souvenir shop at Kuno. This facility is designed to improve tourist engagement and promote awareness about conservation.
Kuno: The Beating Heart of Cheetah Restoration
The celebrations on International Cheetah Day underscore the long-term commitment of both the Madhya Pradesh government and India to restoring the cheetah population. This event firmly positions Kuno National Park as the central hub of Project Cheetah. The successful adaptation and release of cheetahs like Veera and her cubs are critical steps toward re-establishing a viable and self-sustaining cheetah population in India.
