A 10th Namibian cheetah has died at India's Kuno National Park, raising concerns about the ambitious reintroduction project. Shaurya, a five-year-old male, was found dead on Tuesday morning. The cause of death is still under investigation. Shaurya, aged five, was reportedly found unresponsive during routine monitoring by park officials. Initial investigations suggest he succumbed to a yet-to-be-identified illness, and further tests are underway to determine the exact cause of death.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shaurya," said a spokesperson for the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. "He was a vital part of the reintroduction program, and his death is a setback. We are committed to investigating the cause of his death and taking all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of the remaining cheetahs."
Shaurya's death comes amidst growing concerns about the survival rate of the relocated cheetahs. Since their arrival in July 2023, 10 of the original 12 cheetahs have perished. The causes of death have varied, including hunting, internal conflicts, and disease.