Earlier this year the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to reintroduce Cheetahs to India.

Spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa says the memorandum promotes conservation and ensures that expertise is shared and exchanged.

Mbelengwa says they are awaiting an autopsy report on the cheetah’s death, but adds there is no indication it was due to an infectious disease or that a similar threat exists for any of the other cheetahs.

“All the South African cheetahs are in large enclosures and are closely monitored twice daily. As they are wild cheetahs, their behaviour, movements, and body condition must be evaluated from a distance, limiting the ability of teams on the ground to gain precise knowledge of their health status,” he stated.

Mbelengwa added that large carnivore reintroductions are extremely complex and inherently risky operations.

The remaining eleven South African cheetahs will be released into free-range conditions over the next two months.

OFM News