BHOPAL: Kuno National Park's ambitious cheetah reintroduction initiative reached a significant milestone, celebrating its one-year anniversary. In a recent development, two male cheetahs, Vayu and Agni, found themselves transitioning to a soft-release enclosure, or 'boma,' located in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district. This relocation took place following a successful health assessment and quarantine period.

Earlier, on the preceding day, Gaurav and Shourya, two other cheetahs, were also transferred to the soft-release boma from their quarantine quarters. Vayu and Agni, however, were released from their quarantine boma after passing their health check-up. They had been in quarantine since June 27, with senior veterinary officers overseeing their release.

The cheetah reintroduction project itself is a noteworthy endeavor. Last year, on September 17, eight Namibian cheetahs were introduced to enclosures within Kuno National Park. This group consisted of five females and three males. In February of the same year, an additional 12 cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from South Africa. It is essential to remember that cheetahs were declared extinct in India back in 1952.

Unfortunately, there have been casualties among the reintroduced cheetahs, with nine individuals, including three cubs, losing their lives since March of this year. Nevertheless, there are currently 14 cheetahs and one cub in good health, keeping hope alive for the success of the project.

To celebrate the first anniversary of India's Cheetah reintroduction program at Kuno National Park, several events were organized. One of these gatherings occurred at Sesaipura, where senior officials engaged in meaningful discussions with the park's dedicated staff and the invaluable "Cheetah Mitras" – individuals from nearby villages who actively support cheetah conservation.

A captivating photo exhibition was arranged to commemorate this remarkable occasion. Distinguished personalities in attendance conveyed their well wishes to the KNP team and the devoted Cheetah Mitras. In recognition of the tireless work of the cheetah tracking team, motorcycle keys were presented.

The celebration was made all the more special with the participation of approximately 450 Cheetah Mitras, alongside other park personnel, in this momentous event.

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