By: Gaurangi Mittal

PM Modi is all set to bring back the extinct big cats back to India on the special occasion of his 72nd birthday which falls on the 17th of September. 

What else can be more royal than signing an MOU with Namibia to bring 8 cheetahs under the reintroduction program which was launched on July 20, this year.

Of the 8, 5 are female cheetahs and 3 males will fly from Namibia to Rajasthan's Jaipur on September 17 in a specially adapted B747 jumbo jet.

From Jaipur, they will fly by helicopter to his new home - Kuno National Park in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh.

Where they will be released by PM Narendra Modi on September 17. Also, the plane has been specially painted with the image of a tiger.

Facts about Namibia

Namibia is a country in southern Africa that is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. Its capital is Windhoek.

The only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes.

Highest Sand Dunes

Sossusvlei Sand Dunes are some of the highest sand dunes in the world.

Why does India have to export cheetahs?

Cheetahs were declared extinct by the Government of India in 1952. These cheetahs are also known as goodwill ambassadors, who got completely wiped out in India due to sport hunting, use for coursing, habitat loss, and many other reasons.

The Maharaja of MP's Koriya, Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo is believed to have killed the country's last 3 remaining cheetahs in 1947.

The efforts to re-establish these big cats were started in the 1970s. Now the government has taken initiative to bring them back after 74 years.