15 Tortoises Rescued from Abandoned Well in Ritigala

Fifteen tortoises have been rescued from an abandoned well in the Kalu Eliya area of Ritigala after residents alerted wildlife officials to the animals trapped inside.

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, residents living near a house in the area noticed the tortoises in the abandoned well and informed the Ritigala Wildlife Office.

Wildlife officers subsequently arrived at the location and safely removed all 15 tortoises from the well.

Officials believe the tortoises may have fallen into the well while moving in search of water amid the prevailing dry weather conditions.

Following the rescue, all 15 tortoises were released in the Dematawewa area of Ritigala, where a suitable water source is available.

Wildlife officials have warned that the ongoing dry conditions are forcing wild animals to travel more frequently in search of water, increasing their exposure to natural hazards and dangers linked to human activities.

They noted that animals moving closer to human settlements also face threats such as snares and traps set by poachers.