For wildlife occurring near human-modified habitats, sharing space with people is a constant reality — and increasingly, it brings unexpected challenges to their survival.

Recently, team HEAL, in collaboration with the Forest Department, rescued a Golden Jackal that had fallen into a cesspit at a Dewanhat, Uttarpara village in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal.

On the morning of 31st October, HEAL’s Zonal Coordinator Ardhendu Banik received a call from villagers who had heard strange noises in their backyard the previous night. A Golden Jackal had fallen into an under-construction cesspit on a homeowner’s property. Heavy rains the night before had filled the pit with muddy water. The HEAL team immediately coordinated with the Forest Department and rushed to the spot to rescue the distressed animal.

The team found an exhausted old male jackal, chest-deep in muddy water, struggling to stay afloat in the cesspit. After two careful attempts (and one chewed rope!), the tired jackal was finally pulled to safety — and immediately dashed back into the forest, free again.

Huge gratitude to the compassionate homeowners who made the call to save the animal, and to our dedicated team members who led the rescue.

Prompt community response and teamwork saved a life.