Cheetahs Make Historic Return to India After 70-Year Absence

Eight Cheetahs Arrive from Namibia

Reintroduction Effort Aims to Reestablish Iconic Species

In a historic moment, eight cheetahs have arrived in India from Namibia, marking the return of the world's fastest land animal to the country after an absence of over 70 years.

The cheetahs, five males and three females, were transported from the Erindi Private Game Reserve in Namibia to the Kuno National Park in India's Madhya Pradesh state. The reintroduction effort is a collaboration between the Indian government and the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT).

The cheetah went extinct in India due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with other carnivores. The reintroduction aims to reestablish the species in its former range and contribute to the conservation of this critically endangered animal.

The cheetahs are currently undergoing a quarantine period before being released into the wild. The WCT and Indian wildlife officials are monitoring their health and behavior to ensure a successful transition.