Tragic Loss: Namibian Cheetah Nabha Passes Away in Kuno National Park

The recent death of Nabha, an eight-year-old Namibian cheetah at Kuno National Park, has sparked discussions about the challenges facing wildlife conservation in India. Injured during a hunting attempt, Nabha was treated for a week but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. This incident adds to the growing concerns, as 14 cheetahs have died in the park since the start of 2023. Nabha was part of a significant reintroduction effort aimed at restoring the cheetah population in India, which had been declared extinct for decades. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of conservation projects and the future of these majestic animals in their new habitat.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2025, 17:36 IST

Namibian Cheetah Nabha Dies at Kuno National Park

A female cheetah from Namibia, named Nabha, tragically passed away at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. This information was reported by a local news source.

The unfortunate event occurred just a week after Nabha sustained injuries, likely during a hunting attempt within her soft release enclosure, as stated by the field director of the Cheetah Project.

Despite receiving treatment for her injuries over the past week, she ultimately succumbed on Saturday.

Currently, Kuno National Park is home to 26 cheetahs, which includes nine adults and 17 cubs.

Out of these, 16 cheetahs have successfully adapted to the wild environment of the national park.

Since the beginning of 2023, at least 14 cheetahs have died in the park.

Nabha was part of a group of cheetahs that were relocated to India from Namibia as part of the government's Project Cheetah initiative.

In September 2022, cheetahs were reintroduced to India after a gap of seven decades, following their extinction in the country.

The Indian government officially declared the cheetah extinct in 1952, with the last recorded sightings occurring in 1948, when three were shot in the Sal forests of Koriya District in Chhattisgarh.