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In another historic milestone for Project Cheetah, KJP21, a 32-month-old Indian-born female cheetah, has given birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park today, taking the total cheetah population in India to 60, including 41 Indian-born cheetahs.

Sharing the development in a post on social.media platform ‘X’, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav said that KJP21 is the third Indian-born female cheetah to give birth, after Mukhi and KGP12. He said the development marks an important milestone in the emergence of the next generation of India’s cheetah population.

Another historic and joyous milestone for Project Cheetah! 🐆❤️

KJP21, a 32-month-old Indian-born female cheetah, has given birth to five healthy cubs in Kuno National Park today.

KJP21 is the third Indian-born female cheetah to give birth, after Mukhi and KGP12—an important milestone in the emergence of the next generation of India’s cheetah population.

With the arrival of these five cubs, the cheetah population in India has reached 60, including 41 Indian-born cheetahs.

Importantly, these cubs also mark the beginning of the Botswanan lineage in India, as their father is a Botswanan male cheetah—adding a new genetic lineage to India’s growing cheetah population.

Another generation born on Indian soil, adding yet another beautiful chapter to the remarkable story of cheetah reintroduction in India.

Heartfelt congratulations to the veterinarians, field staff, managers and everyone associated with Project Cheetah, whose dedication, commitment and tireless efforts have made these moments possible.

Welcome to the world, little ones 🐆

#WildlifeWeek2026

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) October 5, 2026

Shri Yadav said the birth of the five cubs also marks the beginning of the Botswana lineage in India, as their father is a Botswanan male cheetah. He said this adds a new genetic lineage to India’s growing cheetah population.

The Union Minister described the development as another generation of cheetahs born on Indian soil, adding a new chapter to the story of cheetah reintroduction in India.

Shri Yadav conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the veterinarians, field staff, managers and everyone associated with Project Cheetah, whose dedication, commitment and tireless efforts have made the development possible.

VM/GS

Official source

[Read the original PIB release](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2319097)

Source attribution: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.