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Another cheetah brought to India from Namibia died on January 16, 2024, at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, according to an official statement. Freddie, rechristened as Shaurya, was brought to India in September 2022.
There have been a total of 10 cheetah deaths since March 2023 at Kuno — seven adults and three cubs.
According to the statement shared with Down To Earth by Asim Srivastava, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), the cheetah died around 3.17 pm. The tracking team had observed “incoordination” and a “staggering gait” in Shaurya. The officials immediately tranquillised the cheetah to examine it and found “weakness”.
However, “complications arose post revival and the animal failed to respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” the statement said. The actual cause of the death will only be ascertained after a post-mortem examination.
Eight cheetahs had arrived from Namibia — three males and five females in September 2022. Another batch of a dozen cheetahs — seven males and five females — reached India from South Africa for the introduction of the wild cats in the country.
Now, 13 adult cheetahs remain at Kuno, six males and seven females. Among the cubs, there is a single female from the first litter born in March 2023 and three more born late in December 2023.
The first litter was born to Siyaya, rechristened as Jwala, in March 2023 and the second litter was born to Aasha. Both Jwala and Aasha were brought from Namibia.
Wildlife experts from India and outside continue to question the poor management and lack of scientific approach towards Project Cheetah.