Mukhi, the pioneering female cheetah cub born in Kuno National Park, Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, celebrated her first birthday on Friday, signifying a year of resilience and adaptation in her solitary existence.
Mukhi's journey
echoes a tale of fortitude. Born to 'Jwala', alongside three siblings, she
faced adversity early on when scorching temperatures claimed the lives of her
littermates. Struggling with dehydration, Mukhi found herself in the Intensive
Care Unit (ICU), where dedicated veterinary care nursed her back to health.
Adversity didn't end for Mukhi
However, adversity
didn't end there for Mukhi. Despite surviving against the odds, she was further
challenged by her mother's rejection, leaving her to navigate the wilderness
alone, devoid of maternal guidance crucial for learning survival skills.
Deprived of this
natural tutelage, Mukhi's path to mastering hunting tactics seemed uncertain.
Yet, resilient and observant, she has been diligently studying her fellow
cheetahs' hunting techniques from her neighboring enclosure, displaying a
promising inclination towards mastering the art herself, much to the relief of
Kuno officials.
Mukhi has begun honing her hunting instincts
Despite her setbacks,
Mukhi exhibits an active demeanor, albeit with a hint of shyness. She has begun
honing her hunting instincts, displaying eagerness in pursuing small prey like
birds, although her eagerness led to a minor injury once, promptly treated
under veterinary care.
In addition to her
learning agility, officials note Mukhi's reserved nature, evident in her
tendency to retreat into seclusion upon encountering unfamiliar faces or
environments outside Kuno, a trait that underscores her cautious yet determined
approach to life.
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