Pune: After falling into a 40ft well in Alme village in Junnar, an adult male sambar deer stood for several hours on a narrow stone ledge, with water lapping up to its belly, and its survival hinging entirely on balance. Below the ledge lay deep water. Above it, towering walls. The soaked and exhausted animal was visibly distressed, with no space to move and no room for error.The situation came to light around 9.30am on Jan 10, when villagers spotted the deer inside the well and immediately alerted the forest department.A joint rescue operation was launched by the department and Wildlife SOS. A four-member rescue team arrived with ropes, nets and specialised equipment. After assessing the animal’s position, a careful plan was devised to gently lift it without startling it or forcing sudden movement that could cause it to lose its footing.Following a four-hour rescue operation, the sambar was found to be active and responsive, with mild abrasions sustained from the fall. Deemed fit, the deer was released into its natural habitat nearby.Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “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. We are relieved that the deer was rescued and could be released back into its natural habitat the same day.”Forest officials also stressed the growing urgency of rapid response in landscapes shared by people and wildlife. Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forests with 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.“From the perspective of those on the ground during the rescue, the operation demanded patience and precision. Mahendra Dhore, project manager at Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, Wildlife SOS, said, “Every well rescue presents unique challenges, particularly when it has water. The deer appeared alert throughout the operation, which allowed us to execute the rescue smoothly. After a brief health check, it was encouraging to see the animal return to the wild immediately upon release.”
