Veera, adventurous cheetah known for forays outside Kuno boundaries, gives birth to 2 cubs

The Kuno action plan envisaged free-ranging cheetahs that would survive in the wild alongside leopards and other co-predators. But the cheetahs had to be brought to the enclosures on August 13, 2023, after three adults “died due to septicaemia after wounds beneath their dense winter coat on the back and neck regions became infested with maggots”.

Veera is known for its forays beyond the park’s boundaries. In May, it made an arduous journey, reaching Baghwala village in Gwalior through the Jaura and Pahargarh regions of Morena. This marked the first time it had ventured so close to an urban area. During its time outside the park, it attacked a herd of goats, killing three in front of a shepherd. Wildlife officials, closely tracking Veera’s movements, intervened and successfully relocated it back to Kuno.

This was not Veera’s first excursion beyond protected territory. A month earlier, in April, Veera was rescued from the Jaura, Pahargarh, and Kailaras areas of Morena. During that period, the cheetah demonstrated its hunting prowess by taking down a Nilgai and preying on approximately six goats.

“It is a matter of immense happiness that the cheetah population in our state continues to rise. The birth of these two cubs is a moment of pride, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of the state,” Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said.

नन्हें चीतों की किलकारी से फिर गूंजा कूनो.. मध्यप्रदेश की ‘जंगल बुक’ में 2 चीता शावकों की दस्तक…

मुझे यह जानकारी साझा करते हुए अत्यंत आनंद की अनुभूति हो रही है कि मध्यप्रदेश की धरती पर चीतों की संख्या में लगातार वृद्धि हो रही है। आज मादा चीता वीरा ने 2 नन्हें शावकों को जन्म… pic.twitter.com/fCs01pIOtP

— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) February 4, 2025

He credited the success to the efforts of conservation officials, veterinarians, and field staff who worked tirelessly to make “Madhya Pradesh known as the land of cheetahs”.

The CM said the growing cheetah population is expected to boost wildlife tourism in the state, open up new employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.

“We are committed to the conservation, promotion, and re-establishment of not just cheetahs but all wildlife,” he said.