On International Cheetah Day, December 4, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will release female cheetah Veera and her two 10-month-old cubs from a large enclosure into the open forest of Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The event highlights India’s progress in the ambitious Cheetah Project, which aims to restore the species to its natural habitats.
Project Cheetah: A Three-Year Journey
India launched the Project Cheetah in September 2022 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative. Initially, eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia to Kuno National Park. In February 2023, 12 more cheetahs arrived from South Africa, including Veera.
The cheetah population has steadily grown. Today, 32 cheetahs reside in Kuno-Palpur and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuaries, including 21 India-born cubs. Over the past three years, five female cheetahs have given birth six times, showing remarkable adaptation and resilience.
On this International Cheetah Day, we aren’t just celebrating a species; we are celebrating a historic rebirth on Indian soil.
The cheetah was declared extinct in India, and the grasslands fell silent. But on September 17, 2022, the roar returned. Under Project Cheetah, 8… pic.twitter.com/gaaF43SZwV
— Madhya Pradesh Tourism (@MPTourism) December 4, 2025
Veera and Cubs: A Milestone for Conservation
Veera, a five-year-old female cheetah, gave birth to her two cubs in February 2025, and both survived. Their upcoming release marks a significant milestone in reintroducing cheetahs into the wild. Officials will use advanced radio-tracking systems and dedicated field teams to monitor the family and ensure their safety and successful adaptation.
“The main objective of International Cheetah Day is to raise awareness about declining cheetah populations, habitat loss, and poaching, while promoting global efforts for their conservation,” said the government.
CM to Launch Calendar, Field Manual, and Souvenir Shop on International Cheetah Day
During the event, CM Yadav will also release the 2026 Kuno National Park calendar and the Field Manual for Clinical Management of Free-Ranging Cheetahs. Additionally, he will inaugurate a new souvenir shop at the park, promoting awareness and eco-tourism. The event will take place in the Parond Forest area, a designated tourism zone of the park.
Boosting Ecotourism and Public Awareness
Authorities believe that the presence of the cheetah family in the Parond Forest area will attract tourists, enhance public interest, and create opportunities for eco-tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Visitors will get a chance to witness these majestic cats thriving in their natural habitat.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Three years ago, our Government launched Project Cheetah, intending to safeguard this magnificent animal and restore the ecosystem in which it can truly flourish. It was also an effort to revive lost ecological heritage and strengthen our biodiversity.”
On International Cheetah Day, my best wishes to all wildlife lovers and conservationists dedicated to protecting the cheetah, one of our planet’s most remarkable creatures. Three years ago, our Government launched Project Cheetah to safeguard this magnificent… pic.twitter.com/FJgfJqoGeA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2025
He also encouraged wildlife enthusiasts to visit India and observe the cheetah in its natural environment, calling the growth in cheetah numbers and tourism a success story of collective conservation efforts.
A Thriving Population in Indian Soil
Since reintroduction, cheetahs have adapted remarkably to the Indian environment. In November 2025, an India-born female Mukhi delivered five healthy cubs, adding to the growing population. Officials note that the project has dispelled earlier doubts about cheetahs surviving in India and underscores the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
With continuous monitoring and scientific management, the Cheetah Project aims to further expand the population, maintain ecological balance, and create sustainable tourism opportunities. The release of Veera and her cubs demonstrates the success and resilience of India’s wildlife conservation initiatives, giving hope for the long-term survival of the species.
