Two cheetahs released into wild in Kuno; CM Yadav says M.P. now recognised as ‘Cheetah State’

The aim of the Cheetah Project is to revive endangered animal species in the state, increase their numbers and prepare them for free hunting and roaming.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday, May 11, 2026, released two cheetahs brought from Botswana into an open forest in Kuno National Park after completion of their quarantine period.

In his statement on the occasion, the CM said that the reintroduction of cheetahs brought from Nigeria, South Africa and now Botswana has had consistent success and today Madhya Pradesh is recognized across the country as the ‘Cheetah State’.

Mr. Yadav released the female cheetahs with identification numbers CCV-2 and CCV-3 in an area along the Kuno River.

This will give impetus to the ‘Cheetah Project’ and add another important chapter to India’s wildlife conservation history, an official said.

Preparation of Cheetahs

The aim of the Cheetah Project is to revive endangered animal species in the state, increase their numbers and prepare them for free hunting and roaming.

CM Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has adopted cheetahs and made them a part of its family.

“The cheetah reintroduction project was initiated in Kuno by the country’s famous Prime Minister Narendra Modi about three and a half years ago and is progressing successfully. Madhya Pradesh is setting new records in this important project,” the CM said.

He noted that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a major hub for religion, investment and genetic biodiversity.

CM Yadav toured Kuno National Park after releasing two cheetahs.

Nine cheetahs, six female and three male, were brought to Kuno from Botswana in February and were kept in small enclosures to allow them to adapt to local conditions. They have now completed their quarantine period.

With the arrival of these cheetahs, the total number of cheetahs in India, including domestic cubs, has increased to 57, the official said.

This is the third major international phase of the ‘Cheetah Project’.

Previously, eight cheetahs were brought to India from Namibia on September 17, 2022, and 12 cheetahs came to Kuno from South Africa in 2023.

Wildlife experts believe that cheetahs in Botswana bring greater genetic diversity, which will help develop a healthy and sustainable population in Kuno.

They also expressed their hope that these cheetahs would quickly integrate into the Kuno environment.

The official added that preparations are on to shift some cheetahs to other sanctuaries in MP such as Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi after completion of the quarantine and acclimatization process.