Separated from their own, these Kuno cheetahs found brothers in each other

BHOPAL: One was born in India while the other flew thousands of kilometres by a special aircraft from Botswana. Though born to different mothers, they are brothers, not by blood but bonding. Deep in the wilds of Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno, two male cheetahs — coded as KNG23 and CCB4 — have developed an unusual social bond, offering a rare insight into how these felines can form lifelong relationships despite not growing up together.Their story, highlighted in the latest newsletter issued by Kuno authorities, has emerged as one of the most unusual behavioural developments in four remarkable years of Project Cheetah.KNG23 was born in India to cheetah Nirva, while CCB4 was among the felines translocated from the African wilds of Botswana. The two unrelated males were brought together after separate periods of isolation. What began as a cautious introduction has evolved into a close social association, with the two now following each other, hunting and feeding together, calling to each other and even grooming one another.The Kuno field team has also observed the two supporting each other when challenged by another coalition. Such behaviour has prompted the team to closely monitor whether their association develops into a stable coalition.Male cheetahs are typically social animals, known to form coalitions, most commonly between brothers from the same litter. Such groups can help males defend territories, hunt and protect kills, patrol their range and confront rivals and predators.KNG23 and CCB4, however, do not fit the familiar pattern. They are unrelated, coming from different countries and growing up in different habitats.However, the stories of how they got separated from their own do bear an uncanny similarity. KNG23 was separated from his mother, brother and sister around March 2026, after suffering a minor injury that required isolation, while CCB4 was separated from his two sisters around the same period.The two males were subsequently introduced to each other.Even after KNG23 recovered and was reunited with his family, he continued to show an interest in CCB4 while the two remained separated by a fence. KNG23 was released into the wild with his mother, brother and sister on May 30. After several weeks, he was injured again in late July and brought back for treatment. By then, CCB4 was alone, as his two sisters had moved into the wild. The two males were again placed close to each other to explore whether their association could develop further.Their first introduction was peaceful. When the fence was removed, both appeared relaxed and comfortable in each other’s presence. The crucial test came when a kill was provided. However, even the prey could put a strain on their relationship, as they both shared the meal without showing any aggression or confrontation.Over the following days, stronger signs of social bonding emerged. KNG23 began following CCB4 closely and sitting beside him. They continued hunting and feeding together. When one moved out of sight, the other responded with the characteristic chirping call used by cheetahs to maintain contact. They were also observed grooming each other, Kuno officials noted in the newsletter.The field team said the two are now displaying several behaviours associated with coalition formation, including remaining together, following one another, hunting and feeding together and mutual grooming.Officials, however, cautioned that sharing a kill or spending time together alone does not establish a coalition. If the association develops into a stable coalition, it could potentially be the first documented coalition between two unrelated male cheetahs originating from different countries, they added.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in BhopalStay updated with the latest Bhopal news. Download the TOI App.