Authorities at Kuno National Park in India have initiated disciplinary measures against a forest worker after a widely shared video showed him providing water to a cheetah and her cubs, a breach of established protocol. The man, employed as a driver at the sanctuary, acted contrary to the park’s strict guidelines that permit only authorized personnel to approach the animals, according to forest officials speaking to PTI news agency.
The video, which surfaced on social media, depicts the worker pouring water into a metal pan upon encouragement from unseen individuals. Moments later, a cheetah named Jwala and her four cubs approached to drink. While it's reportedly common for some staff to offer water to big cats near the park’s boundary to guide them back into the forest, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttam Kumar Sharma, emphasized that only trained personnel should undertake such actions.
Sharma stated, “There are clear instructions to keep a safe distance from cheetahs.” He pointed out the importance of following established protocols to prevent potential human-cheetah conflicts. Initial media reactions described the video as “heartwarming”, but many social media users voiced concerns over the safety of both humans and wildlife involved in such close encounters. Some urged officials to develop water bodies within the park to deter cheetahs from wandering into human territory.
Recent tensions have emerged in surrounding villages, where cheetahs have strayed into fields and attacked livestock, prompting some locals to retaliate by throwing stones at the cats. Park officials are undertaking efforts to foster understanding among village residents to help them coexist with the wildlife.
Since their reintroduction in 2022 - over 70 years after being declared extinct in India - 20 cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from South Africa and Namibia. Tragically, eight have died from various causes, raising concerns about the park’s conditions for these animals. Experts notice the need for improved animal monitoring and veterinary support. The park management, however, has countered these claims, maintaining there are currently 26 cheetahs in total, including 17 in the wild.
Plans are underway to bring 20 additional cheetahs from South Africa this year, with authorities stressing their collaboration with South African experts to ensure a successful reintroduction process.
