Mukhi: India’s First Cheetah Born at Kuno National Park to Reach Adulthood

India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction program has reached a historic milestone. “Mukhi”, a female cub born at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, has officially become the first India-born cheetah to reach adulthood. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough in the country’s efforts to restore the cheetah population after more than 70 years of extinction in the wild. 

Background: Cheetahs in India

• Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss.

• In 2022, under the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, cheetahs were relocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park.

• Mukhi’s survival into adulthood showcases that the program is moving in the right direction, with successful adaptation and breeding.

Who is “Mukhi”?

• Born: Early 2023, at Kuno National Park.

• Parents: One of the translocated female cheetahs and a Namibian male cheetah.

• Milestone: Mukhi is now the first India-born cheetah cub to survive past one year and reach adulthood.

• Significance: Many cubs born earlier did not survive due to health challenges and extreme climatic conditions. Mukhi’s survival is a sign of resilience and adaptation to Indian ecosystems.

Why This Matters for Conservation

1. Proof of Adaptation – Cheetahs can now thrive, hunt, and reproduce in Indian forests.

2. Boost to Project Cheetah – Shows progress beyond relocation, proving natural survival cycles.

3. Global Recognition – Places India on the map for one of the most ambitious wildlife restoration programs.

4. Tourism & Awareness – Wildlife enthusiasts now have greater reasons to visit Kuno National Park.

About Kuno National Park

• Location: Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Area: 748 sq. km of protected forest.

• Biodiversity: Home to leopards, jackals, striped hyenas, antelopes, and now cheetahs.

• Access: Nearest major city is Gwalior (~150 km). Best visited between October and March for safaris.

Visitor Information

• Safari Timings: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (seasonal variations apply).

• How to Reach:

  • By Air: Gwalior or Jaipur airports.

  • By Train: Sheopur or Gwalior railway stations.

  • By Road: Well connected to MP and Rajasthan highways.

• Accommodation: Forest rest houses near the park, as well as resorts and eco-lodges around Sheopur and Gwalior.

Conclusion

The survival of Mukhi to adulthood is more than just a success story—it’s a symbol of India’s dedication to wildlife conservation. While challenges remain in ensuring a sustainable cheetah population, Mukhi’s journey proves that the dream of seeing cheetahs thrive again in India’s grasslands is alive and achievable.