Watch: President Droupadi Murmu Receives Eight Cheetahs From Botswana Under Project Cheetah

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 17:50 IST

All eight animals will stay in quarantine in Botswana for a short period before being flown to India. They will then be moved to Kuno National Park.

President Droupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the release of captured cheetahs originating from Botswana's Ghanzi (Credits: X/@rashtrapatibhvn)

India has received a new group of eight cheetahs from Botswana, following a formal handover ceremony held on Thursday at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve. The event took place during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to the country.

The animals, which include both adults and sub-adults, had been brought to the reserve from Ghanzi town in the Kalahari Desert. As part of the ceremony, two of the cheetahs were released into a quarantine enclosure while officials from both nations explained the transfer procedures to the two presidents.

Taking to X, President Murmu also shared a post and wrote,"A new chapter in India-Botswana wildlife conservation partnership: At the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the release of captured cheetahs originating from Botswana’s Ghanzi region into the quarantine facility by experts from India and Botswana. The event symbolized Botswana’s gifting of eight cheetahs to India under the next phase of Project Cheetah.

Botswana’s president, Duma Gideon Boko, attended the event along with President Murmu. Wildlife authorities from India and Botswana briefed them on the transport arrangements and the next steps for the animals.

During her address, President Murmu said the gesture demonstrated Botswana’s commitment to wildlife protection.

“These cheetahs will join their brothers and sisters in India’s Kuno National Park, helping us to restore the species in its historical habitat," she said.

President Boko added that his country was pleased to contribute to India’s efforts to rebuild its cheetah population.

All eight animals will stay in quarantine in Botswana for a short period before being flown to India. Once in the country, they will be moved to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah.

India began reintroducing cheetahs in 2022, starting with eight brought from Namibia. A year later, twelve more arrived from South Africa. Since the launch of the programme, India has documented 27 cheetahs, including 16 born locally. While 19 animals have died from various causes, 26 cubs have been born so far.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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