Three Cheetah Cubs Born at Kuno National Park, India’s Population Rises to 38

Kuno National Park has recorded the birth of three cheetah cubs, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced on February 18, 2026. The cubs were born to Gamini, a South African cheetah and a second-time mother, marking another significant achievement under India’s ambitious Project Cheetah.

The birth coincides with the completion of three years since the arrival of cheetahs from South Africa, symbolizing steady progress in the country’s cheetah reintroduction programme. With this development, the ninth successful cheetah litter has been recorded on Indian soil. The number of surviving India-born cheetah cubs has now risen to 27, taking India’s total cheetah population to 38.

Describing the moment as a matter of national pride, the Minister emphasized that each successful birth reinforces the objectives of Project Cheetah and reflects the sustained efforts of field staff and veterinary teams. He praised their dedication in ensuring the health, monitoring, and conservation of the animals.

Project Cheetah represents the world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore, with 20 cheetahs brought to India from Namibia and South Africa during 2022–23. The programme received a historic boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally released the first batch of eight cheetahs at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. The latest births further strengthen India’s cheetah revival story, raising hopes for long-term ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.