BENGALURU: After the reintroduction of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh, the famed African cheetahs are set to make their debut in Bengaluru in the coming months.The Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), as part of its animal-exchange programme, is all set to get a pair of cheetahs from South Africa. BBP will be the third facility in India, after Hyderabad and Mysuru, to house the famed hunting cheetahs. In addition, BBP will further diversify its carnivore collection by adding jaguars, pumas and other exotic animals from overseas.

Flagging off India’s first electric bus wildlife safari at Bannerughatta virtually from Vikasa Soudha, forest minister Eshwar Khandre Wednesday said Bannerughatta is all set to expand its animal collection.Take e-bus safari now at BBP In the next 4 to 5 months, BBP will import a pair of hunting cheetahs from South Africa. In 2026, BBP is set to get jaguars, pumas, and 10 other exotic wildlife from overseas,” Khandre said. As part of the exchange of animals, BBP will send an elephant to one of the zoos in Japan.Along with these animals, BBP will also get capuchin monkeys (South America) and chimpanzees. Currently, BBP, with its zoo, rescue centre, and safari facilities, has the highest density of carnivore animals in the country. Sources at Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) told TOI that cheetahs are likely to be brought to BBP from the Ann Van Dyke Cheetah Centre in South Africa and will be housed at a facility created for these cats. In May 2025, BBP surpassed its previous record for the highest footfall with 2.8 lakh visitors.Stating that the safari at BBP offers a unique experience to visitors, Khandre said, “Unlike other safaris across India, sighting of lions, tigers, leopards, and sloth bears is ensured here. Currently, we use diesel-powered vehicles, which add to carbon emissions. Aimed at reducing this carbon emission, for the first time in India, we are introducing e-bus safari as pilot.”