Forest officials rescued five gaurs, including two adults and three calves, from a dry, abandoned well in Lowle village of Sangameshwar taluka in Ratnagiri late on Tuesday night. The animals were trapped in the 15 to 20-foot-deep well and had no way to climb out. A ramp was created using an earthmover, allowing all five to walk out safely by 1.30 am and return towards the forest.
Forest teams assess the site and use a JCB to cut into the well edge, creating a sloped ramp as villagers assist in clearing space
Rescue operation timeline
11.30 pm: Alert received about trapped gaurs
11.45 pm: Forest staff reach site and assess well
12.15 am: JCB deployed to create a ramp
1.00 am: Exit path ready
1.30 am: All five gaurs walk out safely
How it happened
By early morning, the animals walk up the ramp and return towards the forest, ending the late-night rescue. Illustrations/Uday Mohite
>> Incident reported around 11.30 pm on February 11
>> Well-located on private land without protective cover
>> Two adults and three calves fell in one after another
>> No water inside, but steep sides prevented escape
Forest officials from the Sangameshwar range rushed to the spot after receiving the alert.
The gaurs trapped inside the well. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Why this keeps happening
Forest officials have identified:
>> Around 150 open wells in Ratnagiri district
>> 60 to 70 in Chiplun
>> About 140 in Dapoli
Authorities plan to secure these wells with parapets and covers. Officials say 150-200 wildlife rescues are carried out every year.
Know the animal Gaur
Adult male
600 to 1000 kg
Adult female
400 to 700 kg
Calf: 20 to 30 kg at birth
Wildlife emergency numbers
Forest helpline
1926
Control room
9421741335
Officials speak
Girija Desai
Deputy Conservator of Forest said the open well lacked basic safety measures such as a parapet or cover, making it hazardous for wildlife.
Sagar Gosavi, Range officer
Said the rescue was challenging due to the animals’ size and the depth of the well, but coordination between forest staff and villagers ensured a safe outcome.
