Tiger rescued after 11-hour operation from open well in Kerala

Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Dec 30 (PTI) A tiger that fell into an open well near a house was safely rescued on Tuesday after nearly 11 hours of sustained effort by forest officials and rescue teams here.

The animal slipped into the well at around 5 am, prompting residents to alert the authorities after hearing unusual noise.

Family members who woke up to the noise later realised that a tiger had fallen into the well and immediately informed neighbours and the Forest Department.

Officials from the local police station and Forest Department rushed to the spot soon after receiving the alert.

The rescue operation proved challenging as the well was over seven metres deep and filled with water.

The tiger had damaged the motor inside the well, making it impossible to pump out the water.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel were subsequently called in to drain the well.

By noon, a tranquilising expert and a specialised team arrived and began efforts to secure the animal.

After several attempts, the tiger was carefully guided into a net and lifted partway out of the well.

A tranquilliser dart was then administered, and the animal was rescued after it was confirmed to be fully sedated.

The tiger, still in the net, was carried about 150 metres to a waiting Forest Department vehicle and taken to the forest station for further observation.

The incident occurred near the house of Sadasivan at Villunni Para in the Chittar Vayyattupuzha area of the district.

Forest officials said the tiger would undergo a medical examination before a decision is taken on whether it should be shifted to a zoo or released back into the forest.

However, residents expressed concern that the animal could return to the area if it is released into the nearby Gavi forest. PTI TGB SSK