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Third Batch of Cheetahs from Botswana to Arrive in India on Feb 28

The third batch of eight cheetahs from Botswana is scheduled to arrive in India on February 28. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced this after a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, detailing the state's preparations. The cheetah reintroduction project, which began in 2022, has seen the population at Kuno National Park grow to over 30 animals despite some adult fatalities. A second habitat has been established at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, where some cheetahs have already been relocated.

Key Points: Third Cheetah Batch from Botswana Arrives Feb 28 | MP CM

  • Third batch of 8 cheetahs arriving Feb 28
  • Preparations reviewed at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
  • Project aims to boost wildlife conservation
  • Cheetah population now over 30 with cubs
2 min read

3rd batch of cheetahs to arrive in India on Feb 28: MP CM Mohan Yadav

Eight cheetahs from Botswana will arrive in India on February 28 as part of the reintroduction project. MP CM Mohan Yadav discussed preparations with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.

"Madhya Pradesh will bring wild buffaloes from Assam. - Chief Minister Mohan Yadav"

Bhopal/New Delhi, Feb 4 The third batch of eight cheetahs from Botswana will arrive in India on February 28, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said after a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister shared that during the meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, detailed discussion was held on various issues related to tourism development, expansion of reserve forests, and wildlife conservation in Madhya Pradesh.

During the meeting, he shared the state government's preparations to receive the new batch of cheetahs and sought cooperation from the Centre.

"Madhya Pradesh will bring wild buffaloes from Assam. We also discussed the process and the necessary cooperation and arrangements for the arrival of eight cheetahs from Botswana on February 28 this year," Chief Minister Yadav told media persons after meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi.

The ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, was launched in the Kuno National Park (KNP) located in Sheopur district of Gwalior-Chambal region in Madhya Pradesh, with relocation of eight big cats from Namibia to the wildlife sanctuary on September 17, 2022, and subsequently 12 cheetahs from South Africa on February 18, 2023.

A total of 20 cheetahs were released at the Kuno National Park in two batches -- of them nine adults died so far, however despite continued deaths, the cheetah population at present crossed more than 30, including cubs.

Now, when the third batch of eight cheetahs is set to arrive, Madhya Pradesh has already established a second home for the big cats -- Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Two male cheetahs, Prabhash and Pavak, were shifted from Kuno National Park in the state to Gandhi Sagar, while female cheetah Dheera was shifted to Gandhi Sagar in September last year.

Earlier, in December 2025, a team from Botswana had visited Gandhi Sagar with senior officials of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India experts to review the preparations, including quarantine bomas (enclosures), control rooms and hospitals, and expressed satisfaction.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support wildlife conservation, I have concerns. Nine adult deaths is a significant number. Are we absolutely sure the habitat and management at Gandhi Sagar are fully ready? We must learn from the past and ensure these magnificent animals thrive, not just survive.
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Aman W
Good to see MP and the Centre working together on this. The expansion of reserve forests and focus on tourism is also important. Hope this project brings more eco-tourism and jobs to the region. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
Fascinating project to follow from abroad. The ambition to reintroduce a species after 70 years is commendable. The mention of wild buffaloes from Assam too shows a broader vision for ecosystem restoration. Wishing the team and the cheetahs all the best for Feb 28!
K
Karthik V
The fact that experts from Botswana visited and were satisfied with the preparations at Gandhi Sagar is very reassuring. It shows international confidence in our facilities. Let's hope this batch adapts well. Bharat's wildlife heritage is being restored step by step.
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Nisha Z
I just hope the focus remains on genuine conservation and not just a photo-op for politicians. The animals' welfare must come first. Also, what about the local communities? Are they being involved and benefiting from this project? That's key for long-term success.

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