Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Cheetah Steering Committee reviewed the ongoing cheetah project on Friday. During the meeting in Delhi, information was sought on the welfare of the cheetahs kept in Kuno National Park. There was also discussion on when the cheetahs should be released into the open jungle.

Although senior state officials refused to answer the question of when the cheetahs will be released into the wild, it is known that the committee has decided to release the cheetahs in a phased manner, including after the monsoon season. When contacted, Kuno National Park Field Director Uttam Sharma told Free Press that the cheetahs are set to be released into the wild, but refused to reveal the exact timing.

Remarkably, since last year, at least twelve cheetahs are living in large enclosures in Kuno. Only one cheetah, Pawan, is in the wild. There are also at least thirteen cubs. During the meeting, Field Director Uttam Kumar Sharma informed about the progress of the cheetah project, the health status of the cheetahs, the prevailing atmosphere in Kuno and more.

It is said that the decision to release cheetah mothers into the wild will be made at a later date. Animal rights activists have already expressed their displeasure at cheetahs being kept in enclosures for long periods of time.

They believe that keeping cheetahs in enclosures has a negative impact on their hunting ability and that they would find themselves in a difficult situation if released into the wild.