Despite Treatment, Namibian Cheetah Dies in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno

A preliminary clinical examination of the male cheetah suggested that it may have had an “underlying chronic condition”, but park authorities have not revealed what it could be.

The Wire Staff

A preliminary clinical examination of the male cheetah suggested that it may have had an “underlying chronic condition”, but park authorities have not revealed what it could be.

despite treatment namibian cheetah dies in madhya pradesh s kuno

One of the cheetahs released inside a special enclosure of the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, September 17, 2022. Photo: PTI/File

New Delhi: A male cheetah brought in from Namibia on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday in September 2022 has died in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.

According to a press note released by park authorities, male cheetah Gaurav died at around 4 pm on Monday (September 21), while being treated in the Park. Per the note, authorities “rescued” the ten-year-old cheetah on September 12 after they observed it to be “weak and dull”.

“On examination, he was found to be markedly weak, with visible muscle wasting and severe dehydration,” authorities said.

Following this, authorities provided the animal with immediate systemic and supportive treatment and shifted it to Palpur into a quarantine boma for close observation. A preliminary clinical examination suggested that it could be an underlying chronic condition. However, authorities have not divulged what this condition was.

Despite continued treatment the cheetah's condition deteriorated and it died at around 4 pm on Monday. Per the authorities, the exact cause of death can be ascertained only after a post-mortem examination.

The cheetah's death comes as authorities including the Union environment minister have been rejoicing at the birth of a new litter to an Indian-born cheetah in the wild a few days ago.

Gaurav was one of the eight adults brought in from Namibia and released into the Park by Modi on his birthday on September 17, 2022. The animals were the first batch of African cheetahs introduced into the Park.

With Gaurav’s death, the total number of African cheetahs in India is now 55.

Kuno National Park now has 51 cheetahs, including 36 Indian-born cheetahs. Of these, 16 cheetahs are currently ranging freely in the wild, authorities said. Another four cheetahs are in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the same state.

This article went live on September twenty-first, two thousand twenty six, at thirty-six minutes past ten at night.

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