Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Namibian Cheetah Gaurav Dies at Kuno, India Count Falls
Gaurav was a 10-year-old cheetah brought from Namibia.
He was also known earlier as Elton.
Rangers rescued him after he looked weak and unwell.
Doctors found that he had lost muscle and was severely dehydrated.
They treated him and moved him to a special enclosure at Palpur.
His health became worse, and he died around 4 p.m.
on Monday.
Officials will examine his body and test samples to find the exact cause.
One wildlife activist questioned when the death was announced and called for an independent investigation.
Ten-year-old Namibian cheetah Gaurav, formerly named Elton, died at Kuno National Park around 4 p.m. Monday.
Gaurav was rescued on September 12 after appearing weak and dull.
Examinations found severe weakness, visible muscle wasting and dehydration, prompting treatment and quarantine at Palpur.
Officials suspected an underlying chronic or age-related condition, but said the exact cause awaits postmortem and sample analysis.
Kuno now has 51 cheetahs, including 36 born in India, while the national total was reported as 55.
- Who
- Gaurav, a 10-year-old Namibian cheetah formerly known as Elton, died while receiving treatment.
- What
- He died after his condition deteriorated despite treatment and supportive care.
- When
- Officials said he died around 4 p.m. on Monday after being rescued on September 12.
- Where
- Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, after he was moved to a quarantine boma at Palpur.
- Why
- Officials suspected a chronic or age-related condition, but the precise cause remains pending postmortem and sample analysis.
Officials' Account
Activist's Allegations
Cause of death
Officials' Account
Kuno officials said Gaurav was markedly weak, dehydrated and suffering from muscle wasting. They suspected an underlying chronic condition, while the field director also described the problems as age-related.
Activist's Allegations
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey questioned the handling of the case and demanded an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the death.
Timing of announcement
Officials' Account
Officials said Gaurav died at around 4 p.m. on Monday and that the exact cause would be determined after postmortem and sample analysis.
Activist's Allegations
Ajay Dubey claimed the cheetah died on September 16 and that the death was announced later to avoid affecting scheduled celebrations and a cheetah release.
Transparency
Officials' Account
Authorities said further details would be released after the postmortem and laboratory reports were received.
Activist's Allegations
Dubey accused the field director of withholding information about cheetahs and called for the entire case to be examined by an independent agency.
- Cheetah
- Gaurav, formerly named Elton
- Age
- 10 years
- Origin
- Namibia
- Rescue date
- September 12
- Observed condition
- Severe weakness, muscle wasting and dehydration
- Treatment location
- Palpur quarantine boma at Kuno
- Cheetahs at Kuno
- 51, including 36 Indian-born cheetahs
- Reported national total
- 55 cheetahs
