Forest department rescues sambar from 50-foot well in Junnar

PUNE: The Junnar forest division, with the help of Wildlife SOS, an NGO, managed to rescue a male sambar deer which fell into a 50-foot deep open well in Ghatgar village in Junnar tehsil, about 90km from the city, on Sunday.
On finding the majestic stag in peril, the concerned locals immediately alerted the forest department and the Wildlife SOS team.
Equipped with the necessary rescue gear, a three-member team of trained rescuers from the NGO rushed to assist the forest officers in the rescue operation. "It was found that the sambar was sitting on a ledge on the inner side of the well. The rescuers lowered safety nets and ropes, and carefully lifted the deer," said the forest officials.
The deer was released back into its habitat after a health assessment by the NGO's veterinary doctor.
Chandan Sawane, veterinary officer, Wildlife SOS, said, "The sambar was estimated to be 3-4 years old. We found minor wounds on its hind region."
Ajit Shinde, range forest officer (RFO), Junnar, said, "Open wells around villages are a threat to wildlife, and our teams are always vigilant to provide any assistance when it comes to rescuing animals in distress."