Leopard cub safely rescued from 30-foot open well using makeshift stairs in Junnar

A three-person rescue team from Wildlife SOS, along with a team from the Junnar Forest Division, quickly arrived at the location, equipped to handle the sensitive situation.

Instead, the rescuers employed a creative and non-invasive approach by constructing a temporary stairway out of sturdy branches and logs. (ANI/Representational Photo)

A female leopard cub, approximately 4 months old, was rescued and safely released back into the wild after she accidentally fell into a 30-foot-deep open well in Ghangaldare village, located in the Junnar Forest Range of Maharashtra. The incident took place in a forested area on May 13, prompting swift action from the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS.

Residents of Ghangaldare village came across a cub trapped and perched on a small ledge above the water inside an open well on the village outskirts. Acknowledging the emergency, the villagers immediately contacted the forest department, which, in turn, called Wildlife SOS for assistance, according to an official statement issued today.

A three-person rescue team from Wildlife SOS, along with a team from the Junnar Forest Division, quickly arrived at the location, equipped to handle the sensitive situation. Due to the cub’s young age and the natural topography of the terrain, the team decided against using a cage trap, which could have further distressed the animal.

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Instead, the rescuers employed a creative and non-invasive approach by constructing a temporary stairway out of sturdy branches and logs. Despite some reluctance initially, the cub began climbing the natural structure. Upon reaching the top, she darted back into the dense forest, reuniting with her natural habitat.

Dr Avinash Visalkar, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS stated, “Open wells pose a serious risk of injury to animals that fall in. When we reached the location, the leopard cub was clearly distressed, but thankfully, she was unharmed and in good health.” According to Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Junnar Forest Division,the successful rescue displayed seamless coordination between the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS.

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