Maharashtra: Jackal rescued uninjured from 15-foot-deep well after 1.5-hour operation

Mumbai: In a joint rescue effort by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS rescue team at Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), an adult female golden jackal was rescued after falling into a 15-foot-deep open well in Khadkumbe village, Maharashtra, on Monday.

The distressed jackal was first spotted by local villagers, who promptly alerted the forest department authorities.

The Maharashtra Forest Department immediately contacted the Wildlife SOS team at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), and a rescue team was mobilised to the site without delay.

Jackal being rescued from the well. 

Upon arrival, the team assessed the situation and devised a careful extraction plan to ensure the mammal’s safety while minimising stress. With coordinated efforts, the jackal was successfully guided into a secure rescue setup and gently lifted out of the well. The rescue was carried out with precision in a 1.5-hour operation, ensuring the animal remained unharmed throughout the process.

Forest department officials during rescue operation. 

Following the rescue, the jackal – estimated to be 3-4 years old – was examined on-site by the veterinary team and was found to be in stable condition with no visible injuries. Given her health, the jackal was released back into her natural habitat in a nearby safe location on the same day.

The Jackal being released into the wildlife.

Open wells continue to pose a serious and often overlooked threat to wildlife across rural landscapes in Maharashtra. Recognising this persistent danger, Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has been working to mitigate such risks through its well-covering initiative.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said - “Our Open Well Conservation project is a proactive step towards reducing the risks posed by habitat fragmentation. Following this rescue, the open well in Khadkumbe village was also covered, bringing the total number of wells covered under this initiative to 31.”

Dr. Avinash Visalkar, Veterinary Officer, Wildlife SOS said - “Incidents like these highlight how vulnerable wild animals are to human-made hazards such as open wells. Fortunately, this jackal was rescued in time and did not sustain any injuries. Immediate response and coordination played a crucial role in ensuring her safe return to the wild.”

Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar Forest Division added - “We appreciate the swift response from Wildlife SOS in assisting the Junnar Forest Division to respond to wildlife emergencies. Covering open wells is a critical step towards preventing such incidents, and we urge local people to remain vigilant and report distressed animals promptly.”