Four African Cheetahs Arrive in Bengaluru for Conservation Efforts
Arrival of Cheetahs in Bengaluru
Photo: @eshwar_khandre/X
Bengaluru, April 18: In a significant conservation initiative, four cheetahs from South Africa landed in Bengaluru, welcomed at Kempegowda International Airport by Eshwar Khandre, the Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, as per an official announcement on Saturday.
The minister, who arrived in Bengaluru after a program in Kalaburagi via Hyderabad, went directly to the cargo terminal to greet the 'foreign guests' destined for Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Officials ensured that the cheetahs were shielded from any adverse effects of climate and environmental changes during their journey.
Strict safety protocols have been established, including quarantine measures, a carefully planned 30-day diet, and routine health assessments. Veterinary staff have been instructed to monitor the animals closely and adhere to all precautionary guidelines.
Minister Khandre also evaluated the logistics for the safe transfer of the cheetahs to Bannerghatta Biological Park.
In his statement, he remarked, "I welcomed four cheetahs that arrived in Bengaluru from South Africa at midnight at Kempegowda International Airport. After completing my program in Kalburgi, I headed straight to the cargo transport division to receive these guests who are set to join Bannerghatta Zoo."
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the cheetahs do not experience any distress due to environmental changes.
"I have instructed veterinary officers to adhere to all safety protocols, including quarantine, a prescribed diet for 30 days, and health checks. I also reviewed the arrangements for their safe transport to Bannerghatta Zoo," Minister Khandre added.
The Forest Minister highlighted that cheetahs, once native to Karnataka's forests, are now extinct in the region. He expressed the hope that people would at least have the chance to see these rare animals in zoos. He has urged the Karnataka Zoo Authority officials to prioritize their safety and conservation efforts.