Celebrating Mukhi: The First Cheetah Born in India Under Project Cheetah Turns Three!

Mukhi's Third Birthday Marks a Milestone in Wildlife Conservation

Bhopal: Mukhi, the first cheetah born in the wild as part of India's ambitious 'Project Cheetah', celebrated her third birthday on Sunday, according to officials.

This occasion is being hailed as a remarkable achievement for wildlife conservation efforts in Madhya Pradesh and the national initiative aimed at reintroducing this extinct species.

Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to social media to share the joyous news, posting stunning images of Mukhi and expressing pride for both the state and the nation.

In his post on X, Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that Mukhi's birthday signifies the successful trajectory of the conservation program, garnering international recognition for Madhya Pradesh's endeavors.

Forest officials are diligently monitoring the cheetah population, ensuring habitat protection and community involvement.

This milestone enhances hopes that cheetahs will once again thrive in suitable habitats across India, reinstating a crucial aspect of the country's natural heritage.

Mukhi was born on March 29, 2023, to a Namibian cheetah named Jwala at Kuno National Park.

She is notably the first cheetah cub born on Indian soil after the species vanished from the country over seventy years ago.

From being a vulnerable cub abandoned by her mother to a thriving adult who gave birth to five cubs in November 2025, Mukhi's journey exemplifies the success of Project Cheetah.

Her successful upbringing and reproduction have instilled renewed confidence in the reintroduction program.

Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh, is situated along the Kuno River.

Designated as a national park in 2018, it spans nearly 748 square kilometers, including a core zone of approximately 344 square kilometers.

The park's expansive grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous forests create an ideal environment for cheetahs, setting it apart from other renowned parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh.

The ecosystem here supports a diverse prey base, including nilgai, sambar, chital, blackbuck, and over two hundred bird species.

Notable tree species such as khair, kardhai, and salai flourish in this area, with kardhai known for its ability to extract moisture from the atmosphere.

The cheetah reintroduction initiative commenced on September 17, 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park, marking seventy years since local extinction.

Since then, the park has gained global attention as more cheetahs from South Africa and Botswana have arrived, and several litters of cubs have been born.

Project Cheetah has shown consistent progress, with numerous Indian-born cubs now contributing to an expanding population.

Kuno National Park's ancient forests have a rich history of wildlife significance.

Historical records from the era of Emperor Akbar mention elephants and lions in the region.

In the early 20th century, attempts were made to introduce African lions under the guidance of Madhavrao Scindia and Lord Curzon, although these efforts were unsuccessful.

Subsequently, the area was developed for the rehabilitation of Asiatic lions before being designated exclusively for cheetahs.