Inquiry launched against a forest worker filmed giving water to cheetahs, raising safety concerns and highlighting the need for better management practices.
**Disciplinary Action Sparked by Viral Video of Man Watering Cheetahs in India**
**Disciplinary Action Sparked by Viral Video of Man Watering Cheetahs in India**
Authorities intervene after a forest worker violates protocols at Kuno National Park.
Authorities at Kuno National Park, India, have initiated disciplinary action against a forest worker after a video surfaced online showing him providing water to a cheetah and her cubs, breaching strict guidelines meant to protect both the wildlife and the public. The man, identified as a park driver, disregarded established protocols that limit close interactions to trained professionals only.
The video, which gained significant traction on social media, depicted the worker pouring water into a pan, while a cheetah named Jwala and her four cubs approached to drink. This incident follows the cheetah reintroduction program launched in 2022, aimed at restoring the population of this species, which had been declared extinct in the country since 1952.
Park officials emphasized that while it’s common practice for staff to encourage cheetahs to return to their habitat, such actions must be carried out by authorized personnel to reduce potential conflicts between humans and wildlife. "Moving close to these animals is discouraged for safety reasons," explained Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttam Kumar Sharma.
Initially perceived as a heartwarming event by media outlets, the video prompted a strong backlash on social media, with many questioning the implications of such actions for both animal and human safety. Suggestions have been put forward for creating artificial water sources within the park to prevent the animals from straying too close to human settlements, which have become increasingly tense due to cheetah incursions harming local livestock.
Since the reintroduction project began, 20 cheetahs transported from South Africa and Namibia now reside in Kuno National Park. However, there have been casualties—eight cheetahs have reportedly died due to various causes, casting doubts on the conditions within the park and the management's abilities. Concerns were raised by wildlife experts regarding the need for thorough monitoring and timely veterinary care, which they claim could have mitigated some fatalities.
Despite these issues, park officials assert that the current number of cheetahs in Kuno stands at 26, including those in enclosures. Looking ahead, plans are underway for the arrival of another 20 cheetahs from South Africa, furthering the ambitions of this conservation effort.
The video, which gained significant traction on social media, depicted the worker pouring water into a pan, while a cheetah named Jwala and her four cubs approached to drink. This incident follows the cheetah reintroduction program launched in 2022, aimed at restoring the population of this species, which had been declared extinct in the country since 1952.
Park officials emphasized that while it’s common practice for staff to encourage cheetahs to return to their habitat, such actions must be carried out by authorized personnel to reduce potential conflicts between humans and wildlife. "Moving close to these animals is discouraged for safety reasons," explained Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttam Kumar Sharma.
Initially perceived as a heartwarming event by media outlets, the video prompted a strong backlash on social media, with many questioning the implications of such actions for both animal and human safety. Suggestions have been put forward for creating artificial water sources within the park to prevent the animals from straying too close to human settlements, which have become increasingly tense due to cheetah incursions harming local livestock.
Since the reintroduction project began, 20 cheetahs transported from South Africa and Namibia now reside in Kuno National Park. However, there have been casualties—eight cheetahs have reportedly died due to various causes, casting doubts on the conditions within the park and the management's abilities. Concerns were raised by wildlife experts regarding the need for thorough monitoring and timely veterinary care, which they claim could have mitigated some fatalities.
Despite these issues, park officials assert that the current number of cheetahs in Kuno stands at 26, including those in enclosures. Looking ahead, plans are underway for the arrival of another 20 cheetahs from South Africa, furthering the ambitions of this conservation effort.
