Kuno Expansion: 9 Cheetahs from Botswana Join Project Cheetah

New Delhi, March 2, 2026: – In a significant boost to India’s ambitious wildlife restoration efforts, nine cheetahs from Botswana were successfully released into the quarantine enclosures of Kuno National Park (KNP) on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The release was conducted in the presence of Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, marking the third international translocation under the historic Project Cheetah.

With this latest arrival, India’s total cheetah population has climbed to 48, a remarkable journey for a species that was declared extinct in the country in 1952.

A Cross-Continental Journey

The translocation of these nine feline guests—six females and three males—was a feat of logistical precision involving international diplomacy and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• The Flight: The cheetahs were airlifted from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Botswana, aboard an IAF C-17 Globemaster III. The flight spanned nearly 10 hours, covering over 7,500 kilometers to reach the Maharajpur Air Force Station in Gwalior.
• The Final Leg: Upon arrival in Gwalior, the big cats underwent preliminary veterinary checks before being ferried to Kuno National Park via Mi-17 helicopters to minimize road travel stress.
• Quarantine Protocol: Following established international standards, the cheetahs have been placed in specially designed “bomas” (quarantine enclosures). They will remain there for approximately 30 days for health monitoring and acclimatization before being introduced to larger hunting enclosures.

Strengthening Biodiversity and Genetic Diversity

Speaking at the release, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav hailed the event as a “historic partnership” between India and Botswana. He credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the sustained success of the program.

“Adding to the purrs in Kuno! I am thrilled to announce the arrival of nine cheetahs from Botswana. This strengthens our resolve to create a sustainable, free-ranging cheetah population in India,” Minister Yadav shared on social media.

The inclusion of cheetahs from Botswana—following previous batches from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023)—is strategically vital. Experts suggest that sourcing from diverse African regions enhances the genetic pool, which is critical for the long-term resilience and health of the Indian population.

Future Outlook: Beyond Kuno

While Kuno National Park remains the primary hub, the government is already expanding the footprint of the project. Three cheetahs have already been relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent over-concentration in a single habitat, which reduces the risk of disease outbreaks.

As the new residents from Botswana begin their one-month quarantine, the focus remains on “soft-release” tactics—ensuring they adapt to local prey base and climate before they eventually roam the wild forests of Madhya Pradesh.