Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Gaurav, Original Project Cheetah Big Cat, Dies at Kuno
Gaurav was a cheetah brought from Namibia to India in 2022.
He was part of the first group of eight cheetahs in Project Cheetah.
At Kuno National Park, he learned to live in the new landscape.
He made kills and claimed a territory.
He also competed with other male cheetahs and survived.
In April 2025, he fathered five cubs with Nirva.
Gaurav was originally named Elton.
He died at Kuno when he was a little over 10 years old.
Gaurav, originally named Elton, died at Kuno National Park at a little over 10 years old.
He was one of eight Namibian cheetahs brought to India in September 2022 under Project Cheetah.
Gaurav was among the first cheetahs to enter Kuno, make a kill, establish territory and survive competition.
He fathered five cubs with Nirva, a female brought to India from South Africa, in April 2025.
Gaurav and Freddy, later renamed Shaurya, became known as Kuno’s “Rockstars.”
- Who
- Gaurav, a male cheetah originally named Elton, died.
- What
- He died after nearly four years at Kuno and was described as an original Project Cheetah big cat.
- When
- Monday, nearly four years after he arrived in India in September 2022.
- Where
- Kuno National Park in India.
- Why
- The cause of death is not stated in the article.
- Age
- A little over 10 years old
- Origin
- Namibia
- Arrival in India
- September 2022
- Project group
- One of eight cheetahs in the first batch brought to India
- Offspring
- Five cubs fathered with Nirva in April 2025
- Former name
- Elton
- Nickname
- One of Kuno’s “Rockstars,” alongside Freddy, later renamed Shaurya