A photograph of an injured cheetah cub with its leg wrapped in a bandage has sparked controversy on social media. The photo, obtained by activist Ajay Dubey through the RTI Act, is believed to be of one of the eight cheetah cubs in Kuno National Park. Dubey has filed a complaint with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), alleging that the cub’s injury was concealed by state forest authorities. However, the park authorities deny any knowledge of the photograph.
Dubey claims that the cheetah cub’s right front leg was fractured on November 28, 2023. He accuses NTCA of not being informed about the injury and questions the efficiency of the local forest officers responsible for managing the conservation project. Dubey has also urged NTCA to send an impact team to Kuno National Park for a thorough investigation into the cheetah’s injuries.
Eleven cheetah cubs have been born in Kuno National Park in three litters. The first litter in March 2023 had four cubs, but three died in the summer heat. The surviving cub received care from the foresters and vets. According to Dubey, this injured cub is from that litter.
The controversy over the injured cheetah cub highlights the challenges faced in wildlife conservation and the importance of transparency in reporting incidents. The investigation into the cub’s injuries will hopefully provide clarity and ensure the well-being of the cheetahs in Kuno National Park.
