Pune: Golden Jackal Rescued from 40-Foot Well in Junnar, Released Safely into the Wild

Junnar, 23rd May 2025: In a successful operation by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, an approximately 5-6 months old female golden jackal was rescued, who had fallen into a 40-foot-deep open well. The incident took place in Sukalvedhe village, located in the Junnar range of Maharashtra, where the jackal was extracted and later released into the wild.

The jackal, trapped at the bottom of the 40-foot well, was discovered by local residents of Sukalvedhe village. Responding quickly, the forest department alerted Wildlife SOS at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC). A two-member rescue team was immediately sent to the site.

A cage was lowered by the Junnar Forest Division team inside the well for the jackal to climb into it. With precise coordination and patience, the young animal was safely secured inside the cage and gently lifted to safety. Fortunately, she showed no visible injuries but was transported to MLRC – run jointly by Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department – for a thorough medical examination.

The NGO’s veterinarians at the centre confirmed the jackal was in good health. After being kept under observation for 24 hours to ensure no signs of stress or internal injury, she was deemed fit for release. The following day, the jackal was reintroduced into a suitable habitat within the same region.

Dr. Avinash Visalkar, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS stated, “Open wells continue to pose a major threat to wildlife in rural Maharashtra. Thankfully, this young jackal was unharmed and responded well to the stress of the situation. It’s always a relief when we can release an animal back into their natural environment.”

Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Junnar Forest Division, also commented, “Thanks to swift coordination and support from Wildlife SOS, we were able to rescue and safely release the jackal. Such partnerships are vital for effective wildlife conservation.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, remarked, “Collaborative efforts like this are crucial to protecting wild animals in human-dominated landscapes. Young animals like this jackal are particularly vulnerable, and it is heartening to see rapid action from both the forest department and local residents.”