Adding to the purrs in Kuno: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomes 9 Cheetahs from Botswana
On February 28, 2026, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, released nine cheetahs received from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The animals will undergo an acclimatisation and health monitoring phase before their gradual release into the larger landscape.
In a social media post on ‘X’, Yadav announced the arrival of nine cheetahs from Botswana — 6 females and 3 males — at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park.
Adding to the purrs in Kuno!
After eight cheetahs from Namibia were first reintroduced to India on September 17, 2022, and 12 were brought from South Africa in February 2023, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of nine cheetahs from Botswana — 6 females and 3 males — at Madhya.
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) February 28, 2026
The Minister informed that under the environmentally-conscious leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Project Cheetah has been a great success. India now has a thriving population of 39 cheetahs, including 28 India-born cubs, he stated.
The Journey
In December 2024, the Government of India initiated formal discussions with the Government of Botswana for sourcing cheetahs, to further strengthen Project Cheetah, India’s flagship wildlife restoration programme. The proposal was formally advanced by Bhupender Yadav, in consultation with Boipuso Wynter Mmolotsi, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Republic of Botswana.
Botswana agreed to partner with India, considering India’s comprehensive Action Plan for Cheetah Reintroduction. On February 27, 2026, the cheetahs were transported from Mokolodi Nature Reserve to Gaborone Airport.
Cheetahs reached Gwalior in IAF plane
With the support of the Indian Air Force, the animals were airlifted to Gwalior, India, in a controlled and monitored environment to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the journey. Upon arrival in India, the cheetahs were transferred by helicopter to Kuno National Park.
Yadav extended his appreciation to the IAF
In another social media post, Yadav extended his appreciation to the Indian Air Force for the seamless coordination, precision flying, and unwavering commitment displayed by the IAF ensured the safe journey of these animals to India.
India’s sky high efforts for cheetahs!
The cheetahs from Botswana were extended a smooth air ride to India by IAF’s C17 Globemaster from 81 squadron (the Skylords), and further to Kuno by IAF’s helicopters.
The seamless coordination, precision flying, and unwavering… pic.twitter.com/WKFpsfLmgS
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) February 28, 2026
Project Cheetah continues to progress with strengthened global partnerships and robust scientific oversight. The successful arrival of the Botswana cheetahs reinforces India’s resolve to create a sustainable, free-ranging cheetah population and to contribute meaningfully to global conservation efforts.