Four cheetahs arrive in Bengaluru under conservation exchange programme

India’s cheetah conservation efforts have expanded to southern India. On Saturday, four cheetahs arrived in Bengaluru as part of a formal animal exchange programme with South Africa.

Cheetahs brought from South Africa to Bannerghatta

The four cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) landed at Kempegowda International Airport in the early hours. Officials then transferred them to Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). The group includes two males and two females from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre received the animals along with officials from the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK). Authorities completed the transfer after health screenings, quarantine procedures, and regulatory approvals under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Part of ex-situ conservation, not wild reintroduction

Unlike cheetahs at Kuno National Park, these animals are part of an ex-situ conservation programme. This means they will remain in a controlled environment rather than being released into the wild.

Officials stated that such programmes support conservation goals in multiple ways. For instance, they help raise public awareness, enable research, and assist in managing captive breeding populations.

Quarantine and acclimatisation process underway

The cheetahs will undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine at BBP. During this period, veterinarians will monitor their health, diet, and behaviour closely. Afterward, authorities plan to move them to specially prepared enclosures for public viewing.

The state government has directed officials to follow strict protocols during the acclimatisation phase. This includes regular health checks and controlled feeding routines.

Historical context and conservation relevance

Cheetahs were once native to India but became extinct due to hunting and habitat loss. In Karnataka, they were locally known as “Sivangi.” Their reintroduction in controlled settings reflects ongoing efforts to reconnect the species with India’s ecological history.

However, experts note that ex-situ conservation differs from rewilding initiatives. While it does not restore wild populations directly, it contributes to long-term conservation through education and scientific study.

Bannerghatta park expands its conservation role

The addition of cheetahs strengthens the animal collection at Bannerghatta Biological Park. The park already houses a wide range of species, including several carnivores.

Officials said the new arrivals could support the park’s role in conservation and research. At the same time, they may attract more visitors interested in wildlife and biodiversity.