Conservation Collaboration: GZRRC's Role in Project Cheetah

After the deaths of three cheetahs in Kuno National Park, the National Tiger Conservation Authority sought help from Reliance's Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre to review health protocols. Despite expert involvement, the project faces challenges. Recent reports reveal more cheetahs have died since relocation.

After the deaths of three cheetahs in just over a month at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) sought expertise from Reliance's wildlife facility in Gujarat to review health monitoring protocols and ensure the welfare of the cheetahs, according to official records.

NTCA Assistant Inspector General of Forests Abhishek Kumar requested a team from Reliance Industries' Jamnagar-based Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) on May 11, 2023, to assess and advise on the health management of cheetahs. The request followed the deaths of three cheetahs between March 27 and May 9.

GZRRC Director Brij Kishor Gupta stated that a four-member team, including senior veterinary officers, visited Kuno and found the health protocols satisfactory. Despite this, the project has faced numerous challenges, including more cheetah deaths and criticism over the involvement of GZRRC given existing expertise.

(With inputs from agencies.)