Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Wildlife enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh reopens to visitors. However, those eager to see the cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will need patience. These majestic animals remain in enclosures for now, awaiting their release into the wild. The park's reopening was delayed due to heavy rains but is now ready to welcome tourists.
The park is home to 24 cheetahs, part of a government initiative to reintroduce the species that vanished from India eight decades ago. The phased release of these cheetahs will commence once the monsoon retreats from central India, anticipated by early October according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Cubs and their mothers are expected to be gradually released by December.
Kuno National Park: A Unique Wildlife Experience
Visitors can explore Kuno between 6:30 am and 10 am, and again from 3 pm to 6 pm. Despite its rich biodiversity, Kuno sees fewer visitors compared to other national parks or tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh. Its annual visitor count matches what popular parks receive in just one day.
Currently, all 25 cheetahs—13 adults and 12 cubs—are healthy, as confirmed by officials. They have undergone vaccinations and prophylactic treatments to prevent infections. This follows a challenging year where three cheetahs succumbed to septicemia after wounds became infected.
Challenges of Managing African Cheetahs
The infections stemmed from unexpected winter coat growth during India's summer and monsoon seasons. Anticipating African winters, some cheetahs scratched their thick coats, leading to injuries. This situation underscores the complexities involved in managing African cheetahs in India's climate.
Some experts previously criticised the plan of reintroducing cheetahs into Kuno National Park. They argued that prolonged enclosure confinement could stress the animals and hinder their adaptation to the wild environment.
Uttam Kumar Sharma, Kuno National Park's field director, stated, "All cheetahs are inside enclosures. Hence, tourists won't be able to see cheetahs. There is plan to release cheetahs in the wild but so far date is not decided." The park had postponed its reopening due to swollen rivers caused by heavy rainfall.
The project marks the world's first intercontinental translocation of big cats. As hopes rise with the park's reopening, visitors eagerly await witnessing these magnificent creatures roam freely in their natural habitat once more.
