Cheetah Gamini gives birth to three cubs at Kuno; India's cheetah population reaches 38
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on 18 February 2026 that Gamini, a South African cheetah, had given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, taking India's cheetah population to 38.
Summary
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on 18 February 2026 that Gamini, a South African cheetah and a second-time mother, had given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The birth coincided with three years since the arrival of cheetahs from South Africa. It is the ninth successful cheetah litter on Indian soil; the number of surviving India-born cubs rose to 27 and the total cheetah population to 38. Static link: under Project Cheetah, 20 cheetahs were brought from Namibia and South Africa in 2022-23 — the world's first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore — and PM Narendra Modi released the first eight on 17 September 2022.
Key facts
- Announced
- 18 February 2026, by Bhupender Yadav
- Mother
- Gamini, South African cheetah (second litter)
- Place
- Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Litter
- Ninth successful litter in India
- Numbers
- 27 surviving India-born cubs; total population 38
- Project Cheetah
- 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa (2022-23); first eight released 17 September 2022
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which cheetah gave birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, as announced on 18 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gamini
Gamini, a South African cheetah and a second-time mother, gave birth to three cubs.
After the birth of Gamini's three cubs in February 2026, what was India's total cheetah population?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 38
The total cheetah population reached 38, with 27 surviving India-born cubs.
Consider the following statements about Project Cheetah: 1. It involved the world's first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore, with 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa in 2022-23. 2. The first eight cheetahs were released into Kuno by the Prime Minister on 17 September 2022. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.