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A dramatic rescue unfolded in Ratnagiri after a black panther fell into a 50-foot-deep well in Kolambe village, likely while chasing prey. The incident came to light around 7 am on Saturday, March 21, when people from Kolambe village heard loud growls and discovered the animal trapped at the bottom.

Chasing prey, a rare melanistic black panther slipped and fell into a 50-foot-deep well, leaving it stranded and visibly distressed

Locals immediately alerted the forest department, prompting a team led by officials, including Round Officer Lahanu Gavde, to rush to the site. The well had around five feet of water and a rocky ledge where the panther had settled, making the rescue more challenging as the animal remained calm and unwilling to move.

Startled by loud growls, villagers gathered around the well and were shocked to find the trapped big cat pacing inside

Rescue plan

Round Officer Lahanu Gavde said, “Our priority was to rescue the animal safely, but it wasn’t moving as it had found the spot comfortable to rest, which made the operation challenging. We then devised a strategy and called in two water tankers. From a distance of nearly 400 metres, water was pumped into the well through pipes to gradually raise the water level and prompt the animal to move.”

The forest department rushed in and, after assessing the situation, began a careful rescue by raising the water level and lowering a metal cage into the well

As the water level increased, the animal was forced to shift and eventually entered the water. That’s when the forest department lowered a metal trap cage into the well using ropes. After some time, the animal stepped into the cage, allowing the forest department to safely pull it out.

After hours of waiting, the panther finally entered the cage. Following a 36-hour-long operation, it was safely pulled out under close supervision. Illustrations/Uday Mohite

The operation, involving 20 forest staff and over 20 villagers, lasted 36 hours. The approximately five-year-old animal was later examined, found fit, and released back into its natural habitat.

The black panther that fell into the well

Did you know?

Rescue team with the black panther after a 36-hour operation in Ratnagiri. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Melanistic leopards are commonly called black panthers or black leopards. They are found in the forests of the Western Ghats and north-east India and are black due to the presence of excess melanin in their bodies. The colour of their fur is a mixture of blue, black, grey, and purple.

5
Approximate age of the animal