Pune : Leopard Saved from Drowning in 80-Foot-Deep Well in Maharashtra

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A young female leopard found herself in a perilous situation when she was rescued from an 80-foot-deep well in Savargav village, located in the Junnar Forest Range of Maharashtra. Prompt action by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS ensured the successful rescue of the leopard, who is currently receiving medical attention and will soon be released back into her natural habitat.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when farmers in Savargav village heard an unusual sound coming from a nearby well. Upon investigation, they discovered a leopard struggling to stay afloat in the open well, which had a depth of nearly 80 feet. Worried for the leopard’s safety, the farmers immediately alerted the Maharashtra Forest Department. The forest officers, along with a three-member rescue team from the Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, swiftly arrived at the scene to assist in the rescue operation.

As the rescue plan was being formulated, a plastic crate secured with ropes was lowered into the well to provide the exhausted leopard with a place to rest. Subsequently, a trap cage was lowered, and after a concerted effort lasting approximately 30 minutes, the leopard was safely lifted out of the well.

The rescued leopard is currently under the medical observation of the Wildlife SOS team at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, which operates in collaboration with the Forest Department.

“During the initial examination, we determined that the leopard is a young female, approximately 2 years old. Fortunately, she has not sustained any injuries and remains active and in good health. We are currently monitoring her condition and will soon release her back into a suitable natural habitat,” stated Dr. Akhilesh Dhage, Veterinary Officer at Wildlife SOS.

Ajit Shinde, Range Forest Officer at Wildlife SOS, explained, “Upon receiving a call from local farmers regarding a leopard trapped in a well, we immediately dispatched our staff for the rescue operation and requested assistance from the Wildlife SOS team. Whenever such rescue calls are received, we prioritize swift action and also educate the local communities about basic safety measures.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, emphasized the ongoing threat posed by open wells to wildlife. He praised the vigilance and collaboration among various stakeholders, including villagers and the forest department, for saving one leopard at a time. Satyanarayan highlighted the expertise of the Wildlife SOS team in conducting wildlife rescues while ensuring minimal stress to the animals.

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