Pune: Drowning Leopard Rescued From 40-Feet Deep Open Well
Junnar, 3rd July 2023: In a dramatic rescue operation, Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department successfully rescued a young female leopard from a perilous 40-foot-deep open well. The leopard, approximately a year old, was swiftly taken out of the well and subsequently released back into the wild.
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded when concerned residents of Teldara village, situated in Otur Forest Range of Pune district, discovered a distressed leopard struggling to stay afloat in an open well. The Maharashtra Forest Department was immediately alerted by the villagers, and a rescue team from Wildlife SOS’ Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre was deployed to assist in the rescue operation.
Equipped with essential rescue gear, including ropes and a trap cage, the Wildlife SOS team quickly arrived at the location. After assessing the situation, a well-coordinated strategy was devised to ensure the leopard’s safe rescue.
With meticulous care, a trap cage was lowered into the well which the young leopard eagerly climbed into, allowing the rescue team to lift her out of the perilous situation. The Wildlife SOS veterinarian conducted a thorough on-site health assessment, confirming no injuries to the leopard.
Dr. Chandan Sawane, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS, said, “We performed a comprehensive health assessment of the leopard at the site. Thankfully, the young female leopard displayed no injuries. Accordingly, we handed her over to the forest department for release back into her natural habitat.”
Vaibhav Kakade, Range Forest Officer, Otur Forest Range, said, “Thanks to the collaboration between our staff and the Wildlife SOS team, this rescue operation was successfully carried out. The operation was seamless and completed in just half an hour.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, said, “Open wells continue to be a grave threat to the lives of leopards and other wildlife. At Wildlife SOS, we are committed to their protection and have taken proactive measures through our Open Wells Conservation Project in Maharashtra. We have already covered 11 wells, working towards minimising this danger and ensuring the safety of these majestic animals.”
