Namibia’s bold decision to share its cheetahs with India paid off, with the reintroduction program at Kuno National Park achieving a historic milestone.
On 17 September, Mukhi, a female cheetah born to Namibian translocated mother Jwala, became the first India-born cub to reach adulthood—a moment that underscored Namibia’s pivotal role in reviving the species outside Africa.
Mukhi’s survival was remarkable. Born on 29 March 2023, she was one of four cubs, three of which succumbed to extreme heat.
At 30 months, Mukhi officially became an adult, ready to contribute to the growth of India’s cheetah population. For Namibia, her journey stood as living proof that its conservation expertise and global partnerships bore fruit thousands of kilometres away.
Project Cheetah began in September 2022, when Namibia sent eight cheetahs to India—the first intercontinental relocation of a large wild carnivore in history. This groundbreaking act not only symbolised a diplomatic milestone between the two nations but also showcased Namibia’s leadership in wildlife management. It served as a model of how countries could work together to restore species beyond borders.
Since then, India welcomed 12 more cheetahs from South Africa, and Kuno recorded 26 cubs. Although challenges remained—19 cheetahs were lost—Mukhi’s survival demonstrated resilience and hope. By 2025, India hosted 27 cheetahs, including 16 born on its soil, yet it was Namibia’s original contribution that anchored the project.
Namibia, home to the largest free-ranging cheetah population on Earth, had long pioneered community-driven conservation. By extending its cheetahs to India, it not only strengthened biodiversity beyond Africa but also cemented its reputation as a leader in global conservation diplomacy.
As Mukhi stepped into adulthood, her story was more than a milestone for India—it was a testament to Namibia’s vision, generosity, and enduring legacy in protecting one of the planet’s most iconic species, according to reports by Indian media.
On 17 September, Mukhi, a female cheetah born to Namibian translocated mother Jwala, became the first India-born cub to reach adulthood—a moment that underscored Namibia’s pivotal role in reviving the species outside Africa.
Mukhi’s survival was remarkable. Born on 29 March 2023, she was one of four cubs, three of which succumbed to extreme heat.
At 30 months, Mukhi officially became an adult, ready to contribute to the growth of India’s cheetah population. For Namibia, her journey stood as living proof that its conservation expertise and global partnerships bore fruit thousands of kilometres away.
Project Cheetah began in September 2022, when Namibia sent eight cheetahs to India—the first intercontinental relocation of a large wild carnivore in history. This groundbreaking act not only symbolised a diplomatic milestone between the two nations but also showcased Namibia’s leadership in wildlife management. It served as a model of how countries could work together to restore species beyond borders.
Since then, India welcomed 12 more cheetahs from South Africa, and Kuno recorded 26 cubs. Although challenges remained—19 cheetahs were lost—Mukhi’s survival demonstrated resilience and hope. By 2025, India hosted 27 cheetahs, including 16 born on its soil, yet it was Namibia’s original contribution that anchored the project.
Namibia, home to the largest free-ranging cheetah population on Earth, had long pioneered community-driven conservation. By extending its cheetahs to India, it not only strengthened biodiversity beyond Africa but also cemented its reputation as a leader in global conservation diplomacy.
As Mukhi stepped into adulthood, her story was more than a milestone for India—it was a testament to Namibia’s vision, generosity, and enduring legacy in protecting one of the planet’s most iconic species, according to reports by Indian media.
