A cheetah born in India gives birth to five cubs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park

In this picture released on September 18, 2026, a female cheetah KGP12 born in India lies with her four newborn cubs in Kuno National Park in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. | Photo credit: PTI

A cheetah born in India has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district, taking the country’s total number of big cats to 60, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday (Oct 05, 2026).

The father is a cheetah imported from Botswana and the birth of these cubs marks the beginning of the Botswana lineage in India and adds a new genetic lineage to the country’s growing cheetah population, a government statement said.

Congratulating the veterinarians, forest officials, field workers and management team associated with Project Cheetah, Mr. Yadav said their dedication, commitment and tireless efforts are steadily advancing the path of cheetah recovery in India.

“KJP21, a female cheetah born in India, has given birth to five healthy cubs. Their birth has created an outpouring of joy in the area. This now brings the total number of cheetahs in India to 60, including 41 born on Indian soil,” Mr Yadav said.

KJP21 is the third female cheetah born in India, after Mukhi and KGP12, Mr. Yadav said in a statement.

“The birth of the next generation of cheetahs on Indian soil marks another glorious chapter in the remarkable journey of Project Cheetah,” the statement said.

This achievement underscores the ongoing scientific management, monitoring and conservation efforts of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, the statement said.

Published – 5 Oct 2026 22:56 IST