Four cheetahs from South Africa land at Kempegowda Airport, strict quarantine, diet control and health monitoring are enforced amid lessons from Project Cheetah setbacks
Bengaluru: In a significant wildlife development, four African cheetahs have been brought to Bengaluru from South Africa and shifted to the Bannerghatta Biological Park, with Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre personally overseeing their arrival and conservation protocol.
The cheetahs landed at Kempegowda International Airport around midnight, where the minister, returning from an official visit via Hyderabad, went directly to the cargo terminal to receive what he termed “special foreign guests.” The development has sparked both excitement and cautious optimism among wildlife authorities.
High Alert Conservation Measures Activated
With past experiences in mind, the Karnataka Forest Department has prioritised strict safety and conservation protocols to ensure the animals' well-being. Minister Khandre has issued clear instructions to officials and veterinary teams to prevent any harm caused by climatic or environmental changes.
Key measures include:
- Mandatory quarantine period
- 30-day pre-planned diet allocation
- Regular and intensive health check-ups
- Carefully monitored transportation systems
Officials have been directed to maintain zero-compromise standards, especially during the acclimatisation phase at Bannerghatta.
Learning from Past Failures: Project Cheetah in Focus
The move comes in the backdrop of the Centre’s ambitious Project Cheetah, under which 20 cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from Namibia and South Africa in 2022.
However, the project faced serious setbacks, with over 10 cheetahs, including cubs, dying due to:
- Septicemia caused by radio collars
- Extreme heat and unsuitable weather conditions
- Territorial conflicts among the animals
These incidents triggered national concern over wildlife management strategies, prompting Karnataka authorities to adopt a more cautious and scientifically monitored approach this time.
Cheetahs Once Native to Karnataka, Now Extinct
Cheetahs, once a part of Karnataka’s natural ecosystem, are now locally extinct, making this initiative both symbolic and educational. Minister Khandre highlighted that the effort aims to reintroduce public exposure to rare wildlife species, at least within controlled environments like zoological parks.
“This initiative ensures that people can witness these magnificent animals while we ensure their complete safety and conservation,” the minister indicated in his official communication.
Top Priority to Safety and Monitoring
The Karnataka Zoo Authority has been instructed to treat the cheetahs’ safety as a top priority, ensuring continuous monitoring, veterinary supervision, and habitat adaptation.
The Bannerghatta facility has reportedly been upgraded to handle the sensitive needs of exotic wildlife, with special enclosures and climate-conscious arrangements.
