Two cheetahs make their first kill within 24 hours of release into wild | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

African Cheetahs make their first kill on Indian soil within 24 hours of release into larger enclosure

Nov 07, 2022 05:00 PM IST

The cheetahs hunted down a cheetal (spotted deer) either on Sunday night or in the wee hours of Monday, the official said.

Two male cheetahs - part of the group of eight brought from Namibia to re-introduce the big cat in India's forests - made their first kill within a day of being released from a holding pen at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. The two - brothers named Freddie and Elton - killed a spotted deer sometime late Sunday or early Monday, officials said. "Cheetahs eat their prey within two hours of hunting," Uttam Kumar Sharma, the chief conservator of forests, said.

Two cheetahs being released to a bigger enclosure for further adaptation to the habitat after the mandatory quarantine, at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. (PTI)
Two cheetahs being released to a bigger enclosure for further adaptation to the habitat after the mandatory quarantine, at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. (PTI)

Freddie and Elton were being held in a smaller enclosure after their arrival from Africa - in line with rules that say wild animals must be quarantined for a month before and after being shifted to a different country in order to prevent the spread of any infection.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

They were released from quarantine into a 98-acre enclosure on Saturday and made the first kill - a sign they are acclimatising well to Indian conditions and prey - within 24 hours.

Also Read: 'Great News!': PM Modi on update on cheetahs in Kuno National park| Video

The other six cheetahs - which include five females - will be released shortly, officials said.

They are being kept in separate enclosures and are being fed buffalo meat.

On Sunday prime minister Narendra Modi - who released the cheetahs' release into the quarantine zone in September - hailed the brother cheetahs' release.

Also Read | 9-member task force to monitor cheetahs in MP’s Kuno National park | 5 points

"Great news! Am told that after the mandatory quarantine, two cheetahs have been released to a bigger enclosure for further adaptation to the Kuno habitat. Others will be released soon. I’m also glad to know that all cheetahs are healthy, active and adjusting well."

The eight cheetahs have been brought to India as part of a project to re-introduce the animal to the wild. The species was declared extinct in India in 1952.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On