Video of leopard rescue from well in Karnataka goes viral, sparks debate and admiration

Team Udayavani, Jun 26, 2023, 6:11 PM IST

A heartwarming video has been circulating on the internet, showcasing the incredible rescue of a leopard that fell into a well in Karnataka. Shared on Twitter by user Sahana Singh four days ago, the footage shows the remarkable efforts of villagers and government officials as they come together to free the distressed big cat.

According to the caption accompanying the video, the leopard had been trapped in the well until the rescuers discovered its plight. The villagers initially attempted to use a ladder to assist the leopard in climbing out. However, the frightened animal remained hesitant, prompting the resourceful villagers to devise an alternative solution.

Employing their ingenuity, the villagers fashioned a makeshift contraption using a long stick with one end set ablaze. Carefully, they lowered the flaming torch into the well, intending to gently encourage the scared leopard to make its way to safety. In a touching moment captured on camera, the leopard can be seen cautiously crawling up the well, eventually emerging to the jubilation of the villagers.

Watch here:

Somewhere in Karnataka. A leopard fell into a well and even when a “ladder” was offered, it was cowering inside. So they put a stick of fire near his bum which forced him to climb the scaffolding & run away into the jungle. How they rejoice! Man, Nature & Jugaad. 😊 Got it on WA. pic.twitter.com/OBr7kDTmlp

— Sahana Singh (@singhsahana) June 22, 2023

The video, which depicts the triumphant rescue, was met with widespread acclaim on social media platforms. It garnered over 1 lakh views on Twitter and sparked a lively debate in the comment section.

Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sudha Ramen also weighed in on the video, emphasizing the unique challenges faced in each rescue operation. She commended the skillful teamwork and quick thinking displayed by the forest staff and highlighted the importance of their experience in handling such situations.

While the video received an overwhelmingly positive response, some viewers expressed concern, suggesting that the use of fire may have harmed the leopard. However, the majority of commentators celebrated the successful rescue and lauded the villagers’ resourcefulness, hailing their “jugaad” (an innovative, makeshift solution) as a life-saving technique.