Pune: Wildlife SOS and Maharashtra Forest Department Jointly Rescue Male Leopard Trapped in 30-Ft-Deep Well

Junnar, 21st June 2023: In a collaborative effort, Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department swiftly responded to the distress call regarding a male leopard trapped in a 30-foot-deep open well in Nimgaon Sava village, located in the Otur Forest Range of Junnar. Following a five-hour rescue operation, the leopard was successfully rescued and later released back into its natural habitat.

The villagers of Nimgaon Sava village were alerted by unfamiliar sounds emanating from a nearby well. Upon closer inspection, they discovered a leopard struggling to stay afloat within the deep well. Concerned for the animal’s safety, they immediately notified the Maharashtra Forest Department, who promptly sought assistance from the Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre.

Arriving equipped with essential rescue gear, including ropes and a trap cage, the Wildlife SOS team swiftly reached the location. After careful assessment of the situation, a well-coordinated strategy was devised by the NGO’s team in conjunction with the forest department personnel.

With utmost caution, a trap cage was meticulously lowered into the well. Despite initial hesitance, the distressed leopard eventually climbed into the cage, allowing it to be safely lifted out. A thorough health assessment was conducted on-site by a Wildlife SOS veterinarian before handing over the adult male leopard to the forest department for release.

Dr. Chandan Sawne, Veterinary Officer at Wildlife SOS, reported, “Following the leopard’s extraction from the well, we conducted a health assessment at the scene. The approximately 9-10-year-old adult male leopard exhibited superficial scratches on its body. Consequently, we transferred the animal to the forest department for its release.”

Expressing gratitude for the successful operation, Vaibhab Kakade, Range Forest Officer of the Otur Forest Range, stated, “Despite the substantial gathering of people at the site, the rescue operation lasted approximately five hours. It was through the combined efforts of our staff and the Wildlife SOS team that we were able to rescue the leopard successfully.”

Highlighting the importance of prompt action in such rescues, Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, emphasized the threat that open wells still pose to wild animals like leopards. He stated, “Leopards that fall into these wells suffer from exhaustion and fatigue, making time a crucial factor. However, thanks to the collaboration between various stakeholders, including the villagers and the forest department, this rescue operation was carried out successfully.”