Indian-Born Female Cheetah KGP11 Dies at Kuno National Park
An Indian-born female cheetah named KGP11 died on Saturday while undergoing medical treatment at a veterinary facility in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park. The 27-month-old animal succumbed to injuries sustained in the wild, reducing the facility’s total cheetah population to 49.
Key Takeaways
- Indian-born female cheetah KGP11 died on June 6, 2026, during veterinary treatment at Palpur.
- The 27-month-old feline was rescued with severe injuries from the Morena district on June 1, 2026.
- National cheetah numbers stand at 52, including 49 at Kuno and 3 at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
- A post-mortem examination is scheduled for June 7, 2026, to determine the official cause of death.
An Indian-born female cheetah, KGP11, aged 27 months, died during treatment at the veterinary facility in Palpur on Saturday, officials said.
According to a press note issued by the Cheetah Project, the cheetah was found injured near the Pahargarh area of Morena district on June 1 and was immediately rescued and shifted to the veterinary facility at Palpur for treatment and intensive care. Cheetah Project Field Director Uttam Sharma confirmed the rescue operations and the subsequent medical transfer.
Despite efforts by veterinary and field teams, KGP11 succumbed to her injuries on Saturday evening.
“Despite all efforts by the veterinary and field teams, she succumbed to her injuries this evening. Post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow on June 7. The exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem examination report is received,” the press note stated. Sharma reiterated that the scheduled autopsy would establish the official cause of mortality.
Officials said Kuno National Park now has 49 cheetahs, including 32 Indian-born cheetahs. Of these, 19 cheetahs are currently roaming free in the wild, while the remaining animals are healthy and doing well.
The total cheetah population in India now stands at 52, including 49 in Kuno National Park and three in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the note stated.
Earlier on May 12, four one-month-old cheetah cubs were found dead at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district.
According to a press note issued by the Cheetah Project authorities, the cubs, born on April 11, were discovered dead with their bodies partially eaten near the den site in the Sheopur Territorial Division at around 6:30 AM on May 12.
“At around 06:30 AM, the four cubs (one month old) of female Cheetah KGP12, which were born on 11.04.2026 in the wild, were found dead (bodies partially eaten) by the monitoring team near the den site in Sheopur Territorial Division. The cubs were last observed alive during the evening of 11.05.2026. Prima facie, the incident appears to be predation by another animal,” the release read.
Project Population Summary
| Location | Cheetah Population Type | Current Count |
|---|---|---|
| Kuno National Park | Indian-born Cheetahs | 32 |
| Kuno National Park | Wild-Roaming Cheetahs | 19 |
| Kuno National Park | Total Population | 49 |
| Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary | Total Population | 3 |
| Total India Population | Combined Count | 52 |
Future Outlook
Wildlife authorities are strengthening monitoring protocols across the Kuno National Park and adjacent territories to prevent further casualties. The upcoming post-mortem results for KGP11 will dictate whether veterinary tracking procedures require adjustment. Conservationists remain focused on protecting the remaining wild-born population to ensure long-term stability.
FAQs
When did female cheetah KGP11 die?
The 27-month-old cheetah died on the evening of June 6, 2026, after undergoing treatment for five days.
Where was cheetah KGP11 found injured?
The feline was discovered with injuries near the Pahargarh region of the Morena district on June 1, 2026, before being moved to Palpur.
How many cheetahs currently live in Kuno National Park?
Following the death of KGP11, Kuno National Park houses 49 cheetahs, which includes 32 felines born within India.
What caused the death of the four cheetah cubs in May 2026?
Preliminary investigations into the May 12, 2026 incident indicate that the four one-month-old cubs of female cheetah KGP12 died due to predation by another wild animal.
