Wildlife officials in Ritigala have successfully rescued 15 tortoises that had become trapped in an abandoned well, releasing them to safety in an area with adequate water sources.
A group of 15 tortoises was extracted from an abandoned well in the Kalu Eliya area of Ritigala after local residents notified authorities of the animals' predicament. Officers from the Ritigala Wildlife Office responded to the alert and managed to remove all the trapped tortoises safely from the well.
According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the tortoises are thought to have fallen into the well while searching for water during the current dry season. Following their rescue, the animals were transported to the Dematawewa area of Ritigala, where water sources are readily available, ensuring their survival and recovery.
Wildlife officials have highlighted that prolonged dry conditions are driving wild animals to undertake extensive movements in pursuit of water, a situation that increases their vulnerability to both natural dangers and human-related threats. Officers noted that animals in such desperate circumstances are at heightened risk of encountering snares and other traps set by poachers while foraging.
