One of eight cheetahs ‘Sasha’ dies of kidney failure in MP
   Date :28-Mar-2023

cheetahs  
 
 
Staff Reporter
BHOPAL, 
 
In a major setback to the India’s ambitious project of reintroducing Cheetah, ailing spotted cat ‘Sasha’ was found dead in her cubicle at Kuno National Park on Monday morning. Death of the big cat has left forest officials and wildlife enthusiast in a state of shock and grief. The five-year-old female cheetah was not well for past two months and she was under treatment. Officials said that she has died of kidney failure. Sasha was released in Kuno National Park by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2022, along with other seven cheetahs.
Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) J S Kansotia confirmed that one of the eight cheetahs has died on Monday. However, time of the death is yet to be confirmed. Veterinary team from Bhopal has reached Kuno to ascertain the details. Officials informed that Sawana, Sasha and Siyaya, three female cheetahs were released in compartment no 5 on November 28. All the three were killing prey in the cubical but on January 23, Sasha was found ill. Veterinary team from Bhopal reached Kuno to treat the cat.
The cat was detected with infection in her kidney and her health recovered after treatment. Preliminary assessments of the cheetah showed symptoms of dehydration and renal disease. Veterinary team was led by Dr Atul Gupta. They administered fluids to the cat which led to an improvement in her condition. Forest officials said that Sasha was adapting well to the new environment and she was under supervision of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and senior forest staff. Officials said that kidney related ailment is very common among cheetahs.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Prakash Verma said that Sasha was weak from the first day at Kuno. He said that an investigation will be conducted to confirm the reason of death. “This is a great loss but this is common problem among cheetahs,” added DFO. He said that out of other seven cheetahs brought in first round from Namibia, four are roaming in free range and other three will be released in wild soon. He said that all other 19 cheetahs are hale and hearty.