Namibian cheetah Gaurav dies during treatment in Kuno National Park

Gaurav, a ten-year-old Namibian cheetah, died on Monday evening while undergoing treatment at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The cheetah had been rescued from the wild on September 12 after appearing weak and dull.

According to the Cheetah Project field director, preliminary clinical examinations suggested an underlying chronic condition. Gaurav had been moved to a quarantine boma for close observation and supportive care, but his condition deteriorated before his death at approximately 4 pm. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Gaurav was part of the initial batch of eight cheetahs brought from Namibia to India in September 2022. This death marks the 24th cheetah fatality since the reintroduction program began. Currently, India has a total cheetah population of 55, with 51 located in Kuno National Park and four in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Of the 51 in Kuno, 36 are Indian-born and 16 are ranging freely in the wild.