A dramatic rescue unfolded in Pune's Junnar region after an adult male sambar deer fell into a deep, open well, sparking a race against time to save the stranded animal. The incident, which highlighted the persistent danger of unprotected wells to wildlife, was successfully resolved through coordinated efforts by authorities and conservationists.
A Perilous Plight in Alme Village
The situation came to light on the morning of January 10, when villagers in Alme village, Junnar, discovered the distressed deer. The animal had plunged into a 40-foot-deep well and was found standing on a narrow stone ledge, with water rising up to its belly. With towering walls above and deep water below, the soaked and exhausted sambar had no room for error, its survival depending entirely on maintaining a precarious balance.
Upon being alerted around 9:30 am, the forest department swiftly mobilized a joint rescue operation with the non-profit organisation Wildlife SOS. A specialised four-member team arrived at the scene equipped with ropes, nets, and other necessary gear to extricate the large animal from its dangerous predicament.
The Delicate Rescue Operation
Assessing the deer's fragile position, the rescuers devised a careful plan. The priority was to gently lift the animal without causing any sudden movements or startling it, which could have led to a fatal loss of footing. The operation demanded immense patience and precision, lasting approximately four hours.
Mahendra Dhore, project manager at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (Wildlife SOS), who was on the ground, noted the unique challenges. "Every well rescue presents unique challenges, particularly when it has water," he said. He added that the deer remained alert throughout, which aided the smooth execution of the plan.
Successful Release and a Call for Action
Following the arduous rescue, the sambar was found to be active and responsive, having sustained only mild abrasions from the fall. After a brief health check confirmed it was fit, the deer was released back into its natural habitat nearby on the same day.
Speaking on the incident, Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, emphasised the broader issue. "Open and unprotected wells continue to be silent traps for wildlife across the country. This rescue underscores the importance of swift coordination between the forest department, our rescue team and the local community," he stated.
Forest officials echoed the sentiment, stressing the urgency of rapid response in shared landscapes. Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forests with the Junnar forest division, said, "In regions where movement of wild animals overlaps with agricultural landscapes, immediate action is imperative. Collaborative efforts such as these not only save lives but also strengthen long-term strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflict."
The successful rescue in Alme village serves as a stark reminder of the hidden threats posed by man-made structures to India's wildlife and the critical need for proactive measures and community vigilance.
