India Celebrates Milestone in Wildlife Conservation as First Indian-Born Cheetah Gives Birth to Five Cubs
First Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park.
In an unprecedented victory for wildlife conservation, India’s flagship cheetah reintroduction project achieved a historic milestone when Mukhi, the first Indian-born female cheetah, gave birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This remarkable event marks the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has successfully reproduced, signaling a significant step forward for the nation’s efforts to restore this endangered species.
The birth of the five cubs, announced on November 19, 2025, by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, underscores the successful adaptation of cheetahs born and raised in Indian habitats. Mukhi, now 33 months old, was born in March 2023 to Namibian cheetah Siyaya, as part of India’s ambitious Project Cheetah, which began in 2022 following the species’ extinction in India in 1952. Despite initial challenges, including the loss of some imported cheetahs, the project has surpassed expectations, with over two dozen cubs born and the survival rate exceeding global averages.
This milestone highlights the species’ resilience and the efficacy of conservation strategies. The successful reproductive event demonstrates that Indian-born cheetahs can thrive and breed in Indian territories, bolstering hopes for a sustainable and genetically diverse cheetah population. The project also involves plans to relocate additional cheetahs from Africa, including Botswana and Namibia, to bolster genetic diversity and expand habitat capacity.
Also Read: India Races to Secure Tankers as U.S. Sanctions Cut Russian Oil Supply
The event also reinforces the importance of India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with Kuno National Park now hosting eight adult cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa, alongside numerous cubs. As authorities continue to monitor Mukhi and her cubs with advanced technology like radio collars and camera traps, experts remain optimistic about the long-term prospects of this species in India, which aims to become a major global hub for big cat conservation.
This achievement stands as a testament to the success of India’s wildlife protection initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, symbolizing hope for the revival of one of the world’s most majestic predators that had disappeared from Indian forests for over seven decades. It also serves as a pivotal step in restoring India’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
Also Read: Russia Offers Full Su-57 Stealth Fighter Technology Transfer to India Ahead of Putin Visit
