Indian Gaur trapped in farm well

Forest official says priority is to ensure that the animal is rescued without injury

Helpless and desperate: The Indian Gaur trapped in a well at Vellayagoundampatti near Puthanathan in Tiruchi district on Saturday.

Personnel from the Forest Department and Fire and Rescue Services on Saturday launched an operation to rescue an Indian Gaur (bison) that fell into an agricultural well at Vellayagoundampatti, near Puthanatham, in the district.

According to sources, the Gaur that strayed into a field close to the Puthanatham Reserve Forest fell into the open well belonging to Veerasamy of Vellayagoundampatti on Friday night. Farmers, who saw the animal struggling to climb up, alerted Forest Department officials.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot and attempted to rescue the animal by creating a ramp to enable it climb out from the well which had about two feet of water. However, the effort did not succeed. Forest officials tried to lift the Gaur by fastening it to ropes. This also failed. Since the panic stricken animal was in the well for more than 15 hours, the rescue team pumped out the water to enable it to sit or lay down.

District Forest Officer D. Sujatha told

The Hindu that the Gaur, which was about four years old, looked tired but was healthy. It could weigh around 700 kg. The priority was to rescue the animal without hurting it during the rescue operation, she said.

Veterinarian called in

The service of a forest veterinarian from Sathyamangalam in Erode district has been sought. Similarly, a massive belt, which was generally used to lift the Gaurs from wells, was brought from Dindigul. A crane had been brought to the spot to help the rescuers, she added.

About 50 people, besides locals, were involved in the rescue operation.

The rescue efforts will gain momentum once experts reaching the spot. As darkness set in, officials arranged high power lights to continue the rescue operation through the night.

Solid rock

However, maximum care was being taken as the bottom and sides of the well were of solid rock and it was important to prevent the animal from getting injured.

The option of tranquillising the animal would be taken only after exploring all other options, Ms. Sujatha said.