In Pics | PM Modi releases cheetahs in MP’s Kuno National Park

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs from Namibia in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park on his birthday today. (Image credit: @ANI/Twitter)

Cheetahs are being reintroduced in India after facing extinction in the 1950s. As part of the reintroduction programme, 8 cheetahs (5 females, 3 males), were flown in from Namibia in a chartered plane.

PM Modi has released the cheetahs, aged four to six years, in smaller quarantine enclosures where they will kept for 30 days.

The cheetahs were brought to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh from Namibia. From Gwalior, they were flown to Kuno National Park. (Image credit: @IndiainNamibia)

Addressing the country on the occasion, Modi said India will follow international guidelines to ensure the animals settle in their new surroundings. 

The cheetahs, wearing radio collars, will be monitored by officials throughout the day, news agency ANI reported.