Pune: 6-Year-Old Leopard Rescued from 50-Foot Well in Junnar Forest Range
Reported by Akshata Pawar
Ambe, 11th June 2025: In a joint rescue operation, a six-year-old male leopard was safely rescued from a 50-foot-deep open well in Ambe village, located within Maharashtra’s Junnar Forest Range. The effort was carried out by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department.
The incident occurred early in the morning when forest officials received a report about the distressed leopard trapped inside the uncovered well. The Wildlife SOS team from the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar was promptly alerted, and a three-member rescue team was dispatched with essential equipment.
Upon arrival, the rescue team spotted the leopard perched on a rock ledge inside the well, visibly exhausted with his lower body partially submerged in water. Working in coordination with the forest department, they carefully lowered a trap cage into the well. In a surprisingly calm response, the leopard entered the cage on his own, allowing the team to complete the operation swiftly and without incident.
The animal was then transported to MLRC for a medical evaluation. Though largely unharmed, veterinarians treated him for minor facial abrasions. The leopard is currently under observation and will be released back into the wild once fully recovered.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, emphasized the dangers of uncovered wells to wildlife in the region. “This leopard was fortunate. Thanks to the swift action of the forest department and our team, he did not endure much stress. Once deemed fit, he will return to his natural habitat,” he said.
Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Division, highlighted the importance of community awareness during such operations. “Alongside rescues, we engage local villagers in awareness drives. Their timely reporting of such incidents greatly aids in mitigating human-wildlife conflict,” she noted.
Mahendra Dhore, Project Manager at MLRC, added, “The leopard’s composed behavior made this rescue less complex, but every such operation requires immense focus and care. He is recovering well under close observation.”
