In a remarkable display of teamwork and dedication to wildlife conservation, the Maharashtra Forest Department, in partnership with Wildlife SOS, successfully rescued a young male golden jackal that had fallen into a deep well near Godhre village in the Junnar Forest Range.
The rescue operation was initiated promptly after a concerned passer-by alerted the Maharashtra Forest Department about the trapped jackal. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the forest department quickly enlisted the support of Wildlife SOS to ensure a safe and effective rescue mission. Upon arrival at the scene, the rescue team found the golden jackal perched on a small ledge above the water inside the 35-foot-deep well. To facilitate the jackal’s extraction from the well, a makeshift crate and safety net were lowered into the well by the Junnar Forest Division team. With careful coordination and precision, the jackal was able to climb into the crate, allowing for its safe removal from the well. Following its rescue, the golden jackal underwent a thorough examination by Wildlife SOS’ veterinary team, who confirmed that the animal was in good health and free from injuries. With its well-being assured, the jackal was promptly released back into its natural habitat, ensuring its freedom and continued survival in the wild.
This successful rescue mission highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between wildlife conservation organisations and government agencies in safeguarding vulnerable species and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Incidents of wild animals, such as the golden jackal, falling into open wells pose a significant threat to local wildlife populations, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address such challenges. By working together, the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS have demonstrated their commitment to wildlife protection and conservation, setting an inspiring example for conservation efforts across the region. Through continued collaboration and community engagement, we can ensure a safer and more sustainable future for India’s diverse wildlife.
Dr Chandan Sawane, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS, said, “Animals falling into such deep open wells can lead to severe injuries. We found the jackal visibly distressed when we arrived at the scene. But fortunately, he was in good health and sustained no injuries.” In the past mid-day had also highlighted how open wells in fields pose a threat to the wildlife. Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, of Wildlife SOS said, “Open wells pose a common threat to wild animals in rural areas, and our teams are committed to assisting when they are in distress. The jackal’s successful rescue and release was essential to maintaining a harmonious environment for the wild animals residing in and around the village.”
