Maharashtra: Young leopard rescued from well in Ratnagiri's Lanja after 90-minute operation

Leopard rescued from public well in Isavali village (Pic/Special arrangement)

A young leopard that accidentally fell into a public well in Isavali village of Lanja taluka was successfully rescued by the Forest Department on Sunday, June 21. As per the forest officials, the operation lasted nearly one and a half hours.

The incident came to light around 11:40 am when Akshay Gurav, a resident of Patharwadi in Isavali village, informed the Lanja Forest Department about a leopard who has been trapped inside a village well, according to the officials.

Following the incident, a rescue team from the Lanja Forest Range Office immediately rushed to the spot and launched an operation to safely retrieve the leopard. Officials, while briefing about the operation, said that the team lowered an iron cage into the well using ropes, creating a secure escape route for the leopard.

After several attempts, the leopard entered the cage, which was then carefully lifted out of the well by the rescue team. The operation concluded successfully at around 12:35 pm on Sunday, June 21.

Leopard rescued safely after 90 minutes

Divisional Forest Officer Girija Desai said the leopard was rescued without sustaining any injuries.

Following the rescue, the animal was examined by Assistant Commissioner and Veterinary Officer Dr Suhas Anuse, who confirmed that it was a healthy male leopard estimated to be around one-and-a-half years old.

Officials, while briefing about the condition of the leopard, said, "As no injuries or health concerns were detected during the examination, the leopard was released back into its natural habitat."

The rescue operation was carried out under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer Girija Desai (Ratnagiri-Chiplun), Assistant Conservator of Forests Priyanka Lagad and Range Forest Officer Vikram Gurav.

The rescue team included Forest Guards Dhulu Kolekar, Namita Kamble and Shravani Pawar, along with rescue personnel Amit Lonjekar and Sagar Salvi. Police Patil Dattaram Apankar, village representatives and local residents were also present during the operation.

Forest officials appealed to citizens to immediately alert authorities if any wild animal is found trapped, injured or in distress. They urged the public to contact the Forest Department through its toll-free helpline number 1926 or on 9096578761 for assistance.