Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Namibian female cheetah Jwala and her four cubs were released into the wild at Kuno National Park, Sheopur, on Friday. With this, the number of cheetahs in the wild has risen to 12 and all the big cats are doing fine. The growing number of cheetahs  in the wild is expected to boost tourism as more visitors will flock to the national park to spot these big cats in their natural habitat.

Jwala and cubs, including two males and two females, all around 13 months old, were released into Khajuri forest area of Ahera Tourism zone, said official. The increased number of cheetahs in the wild is likely to enhance the safari experience, as tourists will have a higher chance of spotting them.

People aware of the matter said that earlier there were seven cheetahs in the wild but with the release of Jwala and her four cubs, the total count has gone to 12. Before Jwala, cheetahs including Agni, Vayu, Dhere and Asha (females) and her three cubs were released into the wild. Now, only seven cheetahs currently in enclosures include Gamini and her cubs, Gaurav, Nirua, Prabhash, Veer and her cubs, Mukhi and one another cheetah. They will also be released into the wild at appropriate time.

CM expresses delight  

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to his X handle to express his joy on the release of Jwala and four cubs into the wild of Kuno National Park. Presence of 12 cheetahs in the wild will heighten the excitement of tourists visiting the park, he further stated.