In a significant move for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is set to release two cheetahs into the wild today, marking the celebration of International Cheetah Day.

Exciting News for Visitors

This release brings a new attraction for visitors to the Sheopur-based Kuno National Park, as two cheetahs—Agnivayu and possibly Prabhas or Prabhat—will be allowed to roam free in the open forest.

The Plan for the Day

The release has been approved by the Cheetah Steering Committee after months of deliberation. Senior officials, including committee members and top park authorities, will be present to oversee the release. Awareness rallies will also be conducted across Kuno's forest ranges to mark the day and raise awareness about cheetah conservation.

Background

Currently, Kuno National Park houses 24 cheetahs, including 12 adults and 12 cubs, all kept in enclosures. While some cheetahs were briefly released into the wild for visitor viewing earlier, they were brought back to the enclosures due to security concerns.

Today’s Release

Two cheetahs—Agnivayu and potentially a second cheetah, Prabhas or Prabhat—are expected to be freed. This marks the second phase of efforts to reintroduce cheetahs into their natural habitat, allowing them to adapt and thrive in the wild.

Expert Insights

Uttam Kumar Sharma, Director of the Cheetah Project, stated: “International Cheetah Day, celebrated on December 4, highlights our commitment to cheetah conservation. Today's release will set the stage for greater efforts in rewilding these magnificent animals.” The park’s administration hopes this release will showcase the success of Project Cheetah and draw more attention to the need for conservation.

The progress of these cheetahs in the wild will be closely monitored to ensure their safety and adaptability. Officials aim to gradually release more cheetahs based on the success of this initiative. Visitors and conservationists alike are eagerly awaiting this milestone event, which symbolizes a crucial step in restoring the cheetah population in India.