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Man Who Gave Water to Thirsty Cheetahs Reinstated After Viral Video

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, a remarkable moment unfolded when Satyanarayan Gurjar, a forest department driver, offered water to a thirsty cheetah and her cubs. This act of compassion, captured on video, quickly went viral, sparking both admiration and controversy.

A Gesture of Kindness

Iranian Cheetah
Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gurjar approached the resting cheetah family with a jerrycan of water, carefully pouring it into a steel plate. To the amazement of onlookers, the cheetahs rose and drank from the plate, showcasing a rare moment of trust between humans and wild animals.

The Aftermath

cheetah resting on grasses
cheetah resting on grasses. Image via Unsplash

Despite the heartwarming nature of the video, Gurjar faced suspension from his position. Park officials stated that his actions violated protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife to prevent habituation.

Watch the video here.

A Broader Conversation

black and brown cheetah on brown grasses
Cheetah. Image via Unsplash

This incident has ignited a broader discussion on human-wildlife interactions. While some view Gurjar’s actions as a compassionate response to animals in need, others stress the potential risks of such close encounters, both for humans and wildlife. As Kuno National Park continues its efforts in wildlife conservation, this event serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between empathy and safety in our interactions with nature.

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