Good News! Bengaluru Welcomes 4 Cheetahs From South Africa At Bannerghatta Biological Park

Good news! Bengaluru has welcomed four cheetahs at the Bannerghatta Biological Park from South Africa. The big cats reached Kempegowda International Airport at approximately 1:15 am on April 18, 2026. This moment marks a significant step for wildlife conservation in Karnataka. Here is everything you need to know.

Bannerghatta Biological Park Welcomes 4 Cheetahs

ಮಧ್ಯರಾತ್ರಿ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾದಿಂದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಚೀತಾಗಳನ್ನು ಇಂದು ಕೆಂಪೇಗೌಡ ಅಂತಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿದೆನು. ಕಲ್ಬುರ್ಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಮುಗಿಸಿ ಹೈದ್ರಾಬಾದ್ ಮಾರ್ಗವಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿದ ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಣೆ ವಿಭಾಗಕ್ಕೆ ತೆರಳಿ ಬನ್ನೇರುಘಟ್ಟ ಮೃಗಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿರುವ ಈ ವಿದೇಶಿ ಅತಿಥಿಗಳನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/h7RHOt0ihI

— Eshwar Khandre (@eshwar_khandre) April 18, 2026

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre received the four cheetahs at the airport’s cargo terminal. The animals (2 males and 2 females) from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa will now be housed at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. The minister also shared the update on his official X account. He said officials at the Bannerghatta Zoo have been instructed to ensure that the cheetahs face no distress due to environmental and climatic changes.

Veterinary officers have been directed to follow strict safety measures. This includes quarantine arrangements, 30 days of a prescribed diet, and regular health checks. There used to be cheetahs in Karnataka many years ago, but they are no longer found here. With these four cheetahs now at the zoo, people will get a chance to see these rare and beautiful wild animals again.

Also Read: 8 Cheetahs From Botswana To Arrive In Madhya Pradesh, Marking A New Chapter In Project Cheetah

Initiative Aims To Promote Visitor Awareness & Support Research 

The Karnataka Zoo Authority has also been instructed to give top priority to the safety and conservation of these cheetahs from South Africa. According to Hindustan Times, the animals arrived in Bengaluru under an approved animal exchange programme, in line with the Wildlife Act.

Before transportation, the cheetahs went through proper health inspections and quarantine in South Africa, as per the guidelines of the Department of Animal Husbandry. As per Bannerghatta Biological Park, this initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts and improve genetic diversity in captive populations. It also promotes visitor awareness and supports scientific research.

Also Read: Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve To Get 6 Eco-tourism Hubs; What Wildlife Lovers Can Expect

This is amazing news! Karnataka is now home to these beautiful cheetahs. We hope they adjust well here and stay healthy.

Cover Image Courtesy: @eshwar_khandre/X