SANGUEM
A bison calf was rescued from a dry well in the private property of the Prabhudessai family in Ottem-Netravali on Friday evening.
The calf had reportedly fallen into the well on Thursday night, and local residents reported the matter to the forest department on Friday morning.
The rescue operation was coordinated by forest officials from the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, with significant assistance from local youth and a JCB machine. Fire and Emergency Service personnel were also present at the scene.
Despite challenges faced during the rescue, the collaborative efforts of the locals and forest department employees, particularly Sudhakar Velip, were commendable. Velip along with two local youth descended into the well to provide crucial support in lifting the injured calf.
The rescued calf was found to have sustained injuries. However, there was no veterinarian in the area, as the assistant at the local veterinary office informed them that the veterinarian was unavailable due to training commitments.
The assistant, however, assured the locals that another doctor would arrive to provide care soon. In the meantime, the assistant administered pain relief injections to the injured calf.
The local villagers expressed both gratitude and frustration during the incident.
While the efforts of forest officials and local volunteers were praised, the lack of immediate veterinary assistance was met with criticism. The locals emphasised the importance of having a veterinarian available for wildlife emergencies to ensure the welfare of injured animals.
