The death of three cheetahs translocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh has raised concerns among the Supreme Court. According to the sources, the three cheetahs deaths took place in less than two months. The Supreme Court has asked  to shift the remaining cheetahs to Rajasthan. 

A bench of justices BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol shared with the Central Government that from reports of experts and articles, it is stated that Kuno National Park (KNP) is not capable of keeping such a large number of cheetahs in the park. The Union government may consider shifting them to other sanctuaries.

A female Cheetah named Sasha (from Namibia) died due to kidney ailment on March 27, 2023. On April 23, Uday ( from South Africa) died due to cardio-pulmonary failure and another South African Cheetah named Daksha died following a violent interaction with a male during a mating attempt, on May 9. 

“Three deaths of Cheetahs in less than two  months is a matter of serious concern. There are opinions of experts and articles in the media. It appears that Kuno is not sufficient for so many cheetahs. There is too much concentration of cheetahs at one place. Why don’t you look for a suitable place in Rajasthan? Merely because Rajasthan is ruled by an opposition party does not mean, you will not consider it.” - The Bench Said 

As per the MoU with South Africa, 12 Cheetahs were translocated from South Africa to KNP on February 18,2023. Further, the bench has asked the apex court constituted expert committee to give its suggestion to the national task force on cheetah in 15 days, so that it could be considered.  

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