Female leopard rescued from 35ft well in Junnar

Pune: A female leopard of age 3 to 4 years was successfully rescued after falling into a 35ft-deep open well in Khanapur village of Junnar forest range on Thursday.The incident yet again highlights the risks posed by uncovered wells as well as the efficiency of coordinated wildlife rescue efforts.Late on Thursday evening, villagers spotted the distressed animal struggling in the water-filled well on the village outskirts. They promptly alerted the forest department, which sought assistance from Wildlife SOS.A joint rescue team reached the spot under challenging weather conditions, with darkness complicating operations. Officials lowered a specially designed rescue cage into the well. The leopard cautiously assessed the cage before stepping inside, enabling rescuers to lift it to safety.The animal was transported to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, where it is under veterinary observation currently.Veterinary officer at Wildlife SOS Avinash Visalkar said, "Open wells pose a significant threat to wildlife. The leopard was distressed, but unharmed."Assistant conservator of forests, Junnar, Smita Rajhans praised the coordinated effort and said the rescue was possible through teamwork between officials and local villagers.