Forest officials rescued five gaurs, including two adults and three calves, from a dry, abandoned well in Lowle village of Sangameshwar taluka in Ratnagiri late on Tuesday night. The animals were trapped in the 15 to 20-foot-deep well and had no way to climb out. A ramp was created using an earthmover, allowing all five to walk out safely by 1.30 am and return towards the forest.

Forest teams assess the site and use a JCB to cut into the well edge, creating a sloped ramp as villagers assist in clearing space