Archive · 31 Dec 2025
India Prepares for Cheetah Arrival from Botswana
India is getting five cheetahs from Botswana soon.
These cheetahs are currently in a special place in Botswana where they are being taken care of.
The Indian government is working hard to get all the necessary permissions to bring these cheetahs to India.
They need special papers to fly the cheetahs and to make sure they are healthy when they arrive.
The cheetahs will likely come between January and February.
They might go to a big park called Kuno National Park or another place called Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Botswana has a lot of cheetahs, and they are giving some to India to help bring back cheetahs to the country.
Right now, there are already some cheetahs in these places in India, and they are doing well.
However, some cheetah cubs have died due to various reasons, and there have been challenges with poaching and other wildlife issues in the region.
India is set to receive five African cheetahs from Botswana under Project Cheetah.
The cheetahs are currently in quarantine in Botswana, with permissions expected by January-February 2024.
Key tasks include arranging the right aircraft and obtaining export permits under CITES.
The cheetahs will likely be released in either Kuno National Park or Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
Botswana announced the donation of eight cheetahs during President Droupadi Murmu's state visit in November.
- Who
- Indian and Botswana authorities
- What
- Translocation of five African cheetahs from Botswana to India
- When
- Expected between January and February 2024
- Where
- From Botswana to either Kuno National Park or Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, India
- Why
- To reintroduce cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah
- Project
- Project Cheetah
- Source Country
- Botswana
- Destination Country
- India
- Number of Cheetahs
- 5
- Expected Arrival Time
- January-February 2024
- Potential Destinations in India
- Kuno National Park or Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
- CITES Permit Required
- Yes
- Botswana's Cheetah Population
- 1,700-2,000
- Current Cheetahs in Kuno
- 27 (19 cubs)
- Current Cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar
- 2
- Tiger Deaths in MP
- 55