Heartwarming Moment: Cheetah Responds to Human Call, Drinks Water at Kuno National Park; Watch
In a touching display of trust between humans and wildlife, a female cheetah named Jwala at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh responded to a command and drank water offered by a monitoring team member. The video, which has gone viral, shows Jwala and her four cubs calmly approaching when called, showcasing the growing bond between the big cats and their caretakers.
The team member poured water into a bowl and simply said, “come”—prompting Jwala to walk over and drink while her cubs followed. This rare interaction highlights the progress of Project Cheetah, India’s ambitious initiative to reintroduce cheetahs after their extinction in the country.
Offering water or milk to #cheetahs by villagers is not a good sign for #wildlife conservation. This may lead to dangerous consequences. As usual, the forest is undisturbed.@CMMadhyaPradesh @ntca_india @PMOIndia @KunoNationalPrk @Collectorsheop1 pic.twitter.com/3iIIYbd8Kn
— ajay dubey (@Ajaydubey9) April 5, 2025
A Struggle Against Scarcity
Kuno National Park is currently facing severe water shortages, forcing officials to take extra measures to keep the animals hydrated. Despite the challenges, the cheetahs—including Jwala, who was translocated from Namibia—are adapting well. Local volunteers, known as Cheetah Mitras, report that the animals are beginning to recognize their voices and commands.
Challenges and Hope
Earlier this month, Jwala and her cubs wandered outside the park, leading to a tense encounter with villagers who threw stones after the cheetahs preyed on livestock. Fortunately, forest officials safely guided them back. Currently, 17 cheetahs roam freely in Kuno, hunting and expanding their territory—a promising sign for the project’s success.
Launched in September 2022, Project Cheetah has brought 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to revive India’s cheetah population. While challenges remain, moments like these offer hope for coexistence between humans and these majestic predators.
