Watch: Indian-Born Cheetah Mukhi Gives Birth to Five Cubs at Kuno National Park
Indian-Born Cheetah Mukhi has created history by giving birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The announcement was made by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who said that this is the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has reproduced. He called it a major achievement for Project Cheetah and a sign that the species is adapting well to Indian habitats.
Mukhi is the first Indian-born female cheetah to reach reproductive age at 33 months. Her successful reproduction marks a milestone in India’s cheetah reintroduction efforts, which began in September 2022 when cheetahs were brought from Namibia and South Africa after the species went extinct in India decades ago.
Why this is a Major Milestone
The birth of five cubs to Indian-Born Cheetah Mukhi is seen as a breakthrough for conservation efforts in the country. Officials say that the mother and cubs are healthy and being monitored.
Key takeaways:
• Shows strong adaptation and survival ability of cheetahs born on Indian soil
• Boosts hopes of developing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population
• Strengthens long-term plans to expand conservation work and habitat sustainability
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also called the development historic and said it will help advance India’s wildlife conservation goals. Authorities say more cheetahs may be brought from African nations like Namibia and Botswana to enhance genetic diversity as part of Project Cheetah.
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, shared the video on X, saying, “बधाई हो… Bharat’s cheetah family is growing and so is our MP’s pride! Our first India-born cheetah Mukhi has blessed Kuno with five cubs. A proud leap for Project Cheetah and a beautiful, unprecedented breakthrough that strengthens our nation’s wildlife heritage.”
Watch the video of Mukhi and her cubs:
बधाई हो… Bharat’s cheetah family is growing and so is our MP’s pride!
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) November 20, 2025
Our first India-born cheetah Mukhi has blessed Kuno with five cubs.
A proud leap for Project Cheetah and a beautiful, unprecedented breakthrough that strengthens our nation’s wildlife heritage. pic.twitter.com/8zWd9uReQR
Background of Project Cheetah
• Cheetahs were reintroduced in India on 17 September 2022.
• The project began with eight cheetahs flown in from Namibia, followed by others from South Africa.
• The survival rate of cubs at Kuno is reported to be around 61 percent, higher than the global average of 40 percent.
The success of Indian-Born Cheetah Mukhi is being celebrated as a landmark moment for India’s efforts to restore cheetah populations and protect endangered wildlife.
