Occurred on October 23, 2025 / Guwahati, India
Info from Licensor: "A male leopard was rescued after accidentally falling into a 25-foot-deep well inside a mango orchard, following a swift operation by forest officials and villagers. The incident took place in Majgaon village of Ratnagiri District, in northern India's Maharashtra, around 9:30 a.m. on October 23.
Visuals from the rescue site show the leopard perched on a stone inside the well, surrounded by water several feet deep. Forest officials can be seen lowering a metal cage into the well using ropes, while others cordoned off the area with safety nets. Within 15 minutes, the leopard was safely guided into the cage and lifted out amid applause from the gathered crowd.
Speaking with Newslions, Prakash Sutar, Range Forest Officer of Ratnagiri, said that upon receiving information from a local villager, forest authorities immediately mobilized a rescue team equipped with safety nets, ropes, and a large metal cage. To prevent the leopard from panicking or escaping, the area was quickly secured with mesh netting before lowering the cage into the well. After a few tense minutes, the animal was guided into the cage and pulled up without injury.
Veterinary officers on-site conducted a medical examination, confirming that the male leopard, aged around six to seven years, was in good health. It is believed that the leopard, while chasing prey through the orchard, lost its footing and fell through a shade net placed over the well.
The operation involved forest guards Nhanu Gawde, Sarik Fakir, Viraj Sansare, and Sharvari Kadam, along with animal rescuers Shahid Tamboli, Rishikesh Joshi, and Mahesh Dhotre. Police officers and local leaders, including Sarpanch Fayyaz Mukadam and Police Patil Ashok Kelkar, also contributed to the rescue.
Forest officials noted that such incidents are becoming more common as wildlife movement increasingly overlaps with human settlements and farmlands. Conservationists have urged landowners to install protective coverings or barriers around wells near forest fringes to prevent similar mishaps.
After being declared fit by veterinarians, the leopard was transported to a nearby forest area and released into its natural habitat later in the day. Officials expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation, which played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient rescue."
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