The Supreme Court on Thursday told the Union Government that the deaths of 40% of the 20 cheetahs brought from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno National Park (KNP) in under a year is does not present a good picture.
A Bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai urged the government to move the big cats to a more conducive environment, if required, and not make it a “prestige issue”.
“Eight cheetahs dying out of a total 20 brought here in just one year does not present a good picture. Last week alone two died. You should look at other possibilities, like transferring them to other sanctuaries irrespective of which State government is running them.. Why are you making this a prestige issue?” the court asked the government.
