An unauthorized act of feeding water to a cheetah raises serious questions about wildlife safety and conservation practices in India.
Cheetah Watering Incident Sparks Inquiry in India’s Kuno National Park
Cheetah Watering Incident Sparks Inquiry in India’s Kuno National Park
Disciplinary action underway after viral video shows unauthorized man providing water to cheetah and her cubs.
Authorities in India's Kuno National Park are taking disciplinary action against a forest worker seen in a viral video providing water to a cheetah and her cubs. The man, who is a driver at the sanctuary, violated established protocols that restrict close human interaction with the big cats, according to park officials. The video shows him filling a metal pan with water, which was then approached by a cheetah named Jwala and her four cubs.
Cheetahs, the only large mammal to have gone extinct in India, were reintroduced to Kuno National Park in 2022 after being declared extinct in 1952. The incident came to light recently, leading to widespread discussions on social media regarding the risks posed to both humans and animals in such close encounters. While some viewers found the video "heartwarming," it sparked concerns over the safety protocols in place.
Officials clarified that only trained personnel are allowed to interact closely with cheetahs, particularly to prevent potential human-cheetah conflicts. "There are clear instructions to move away from cheetahs," said Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttam Kumar Sharma, who emphasized the need to maintain safe distances. The aim is to lure cheetahs back into the forest when they approach the park's boundaries.
Villagers living near the park have reported tensions as cheetahs frequently venture into agricultural fields, resulting in livestock deaths. Some locals have resorted to throwing stones to deter the cats, highlighting the urgent need for community awareness programs about cohabiting with wildlife.
Since the start of the reintroduction initiative, twenty cheetahs have been relocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno, but eight have died due to various issues, leading to concerns about the viability of the project. Experts have criticized the management of the park, suggesting that more thorough monitoring and appropriate veterinary care could have prevented some of these fatalities.
Despite the controversy, park authorities assert that there are currently 26 cheetahs in Kuno, and efforts are underway to bring an additional 20 from South Africa this year. Collaboration with South African authorities continues in the ongoing effort to stabilize and support the cheetah population in India.
Cheetahs, the only large mammal to have gone extinct in India, were reintroduced to Kuno National Park in 2022 after being declared extinct in 1952. The incident came to light recently, leading to widespread discussions on social media regarding the risks posed to both humans and animals in such close encounters. While some viewers found the video "heartwarming," it sparked concerns over the safety protocols in place.
Officials clarified that only trained personnel are allowed to interact closely with cheetahs, particularly to prevent potential human-cheetah conflicts. "There are clear instructions to move away from cheetahs," said Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttam Kumar Sharma, who emphasized the need to maintain safe distances. The aim is to lure cheetahs back into the forest when they approach the park's boundaries.
Villagers living near the park have reported tensions as cheetahs frequently venture into agricultural fields, resulting in livestock deaths. Some locals have resorted to throwing stones to deter the cats, highlighting the urgent need for community awareness programs about cohabiting with wildlife.
Since the start of the reintroduction initiative, twenty cheetahs have been relocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno, but eight have died due to various issues, leading to concerns about the viability of the project. Experts have criticized the management of the park, suggesting that more thorough monitoring and appropriate veterinary care could have prevented some of these fatalities.
Despite the controversy, park authorities assert that there are currently 26 cheetahs in Kuno, and efforts are underway to bring an additional 20 from South Africa this year. Collaboration with South African authorities continues in the ongoing effort to stabilize and support the cheetah population in India.
