Kunopalpur National Park is likely to welcome eight African cheetahs, including 4 male and 4 female, on August 13. The team has identified and captured the male and female spotted cat in Namibia, Kenya and a few other countries. Group of eight cheetahs have been vaccinated in Namibia. Forest officials said that average weight of each cheetah will be 30 to 50 kg and they have been captured from different countries to avoid blood relation between them. Around 8 cheetahs are quarantined in Namibia and 12 cheetahs are quarantined in Kenya and other country for further translocation. In the first phase, eight cheetahs will be brought to India from Namibia.

Sources said that on August 12, 8 cheetahs will be brought via Johannesburg to New Delhi. It would take around 14 hours to translocate the cat in India. Cheetahs are likely to introduce at Kuno on August 13 or 14. They will be quarantined in Kuno for 30 days and then shifted to enclosure.

Officials of Kunopalpur National Park said that special enclosure has been prepared in 24 km area from Palpur to Jakhod range. Patrolling team has been also assigned to keep an eye on cat, specially in outer parts.

Amit Malik, IG of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has reached Kuno guest house for monitoring the cheetah introduction plan. Sources said that cheetah will be reaching Gwalior airport on August 13 and then they will be sent to Kuno in special van equipped with cages.

Veterinary Doctor Omkar Anchal said that he spent 9 days in African countries to study the details of cheetah. He said that temperature of Namibia and Kuno National Park are almost same. “Similar temperature and soil would help to make this project successful,” added Dr Omkar.

Officials said that eight cheetahs are quarantined in Namibia and 12 cheetas are quarantines in Kenya and one other country for further translocation.

Officials of wildlife wing of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department said that entire project is being handled by senior authorities in New Delhi and they have been asked to be alert for arrival of cheetah at any time. Authorities have planned to introduce spotted in Kunopalpur on the occasion of Independence Day.

Reports said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting Kuno to be part of this biggest translocation plan. Center has signed a MoU of cheetah translocation with Namibia in July at New Delhi. Prakash Verma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kuno, said, “authorities have not shared exact date of cheetah translocation but we have been asked to stay alert for receiving the cat at any moment. All preparations have been done and team is ready to monitor and deal with the happenings.” Kuno National Park was developed and prepared for Asiatic Lion. As lion project got delayed for various reasons, authorities introduced the cheetah project.