A male leopard was rescued after accidentally falling into a 25-foot-deep well inside a mango orchard, following a swift operation by forest officials and villagers.

The incident took place in Majgaon village of Ratnagiri District, in northern India's Maharashtra, around 9:30 a.m. on October 23.

Visuals from the rescue site show the leopard perched on a stone inside the well, surrounded by water up to several feet deep. Forest officials can be seen lowering a metal cage into the well using ropes, while others cordoned off the area with safety nets. Within 15 minutes, the leopard was safely guided into the cage and lifted out, amid applause from the gathered crowd.

Speaking with Newslions, Prakash Sutar, Range forest officer, Ratnagiri, said that upon receiving information from a local villager, forest authorities immediately mobilized a rescue team equipped with safety nets, ropes, and a large metal cage. To prevent the leopard from panicking or escaping, the area around the well was quickly cordoned off and covered with mesh netting. With careful coordination, the team lowered the cage into the well using thick ropes. After a few tense minutes, the leopard was safely guided into the cage and pulled up without injury.

Veterinary officers on-site conducted a thorough medical examination, confirming that the animal, a male leopard aged around six to seven years, was in good health. It is believed that the leopard, while chasing prey through the orchard, lost its footing and fell through a shade net that had been placed over the well for safety purposes.

The operation involved the combined efforts of several forest guards, Nhanu Gawde, Sarik Fakir, Viraj Sansare, and Sharvari Kadam, as well as animal rescuers Shahid Tamboli, Rishikesh Joshi, and Mahesh Dhotre. Police officers and local leaders, including Sarpanch Fayyaz Mukadam and Police Patil Ashok Kelkar, also contributed to the successful rescue.

Forest officials emphasized that such incidents are becoming increasingly common as wildlife movement overlaps with human settlements and farmlands. Wells, particularly uncovered or camouflaged ones, often pose hidden dangers for animals such as leopards, monkeys, and even deer. Conservationists have urged landowners to install protective coverings or barriers around wells located near forest fringes to prevent similar mishaps.

After being declared fit by veterinarians, the leopard was transported to a nearby forest area and released into its original habitat later in the day. The rescue team expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation and prompt response, which played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient rescue.