**Mukhi, India’s First Wild-Born Cheetah, Turns 30 Months Old Tomorrow**
*By Snehil Singh | September 28, 2025, 5:30 PM*
Mukhi, a female cheetah born in the wild at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh, India, will celebrate her 30-month milestone tomorrow. She is among the first generation of cheetahs born in India as part of **Project Cheetah**, an ambitious reintroduction initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project aims to bring African cheetahs back to Indian soil after the species became extinct here in 1952.
### Project Update: Introducing African Cheetahs to India
The journey began on September 17, 2022, when eight Namibian cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park. This was followed by the arrival of 12 South African cheetahs in February 2023. Despite facing challenges—including the unfortunate deaths of nine imported adults and 10 cubs born in India—the project has recorded a net gain of seven cheetahs over three years.
### Encouraging Population Growth and Survival Rates
Currently, India is home to a total of 27 cheetahs, of which 16 were born in the country. The majority reside at Kuno National Park, while three are housed at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Notably, the overall cub survival rate in Kuno stands at over 61%, significantly surpassing the global average of 40%.
Project officials have hailed this success, pointing to the flourishing breeding program as clear evidence that cheetahs are adapting well to Indian conditions.
### Looking Ahead: More Cheetahs on the Way
India is actively negotiating with African nations to bring in more cheetahs. A new group from Botswana is expected to arrive as early as December, and Namibia remains a potential source for future imports.
Having successfully overcome the initial hurdles of transcontinental relocation, **Project Cheetah** is steadily advancing toward its goal of increasing the cheetah population in India and restoring this iconic species to its native habitat.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/first-india-born-cheetah-set-to-reach-adulthood-in-kuno/story