Arabic version: إنقاذ عجلة حامل من بئر منجم في باروسا

According to ABC News, a three-months pregnant heifer was rescued after falling three metres into a disused mine shaft at a farm near Keyneton in South Australia’s Barossa region.

The animal fell through branches and sticks covering an exploratory hole at an old quarry site on Tuesday. Kapunda SES deputy unit manager Gunther Schulz said the shaft had been on the property for at least a number of decades and had previously been covered.

Local veterinarian Saul Morelli joined nearly 15 SES and CFS volunteers for the operation, which took about three hours. He lightly sedated the stressed and tired heifer before rescuers placed a purpose-built harness under and around the animal.

A neighbour’s loader was used to lift the heifer because the hilltop location prevented a traditional crane from reaching the shaft. Mr Schulz said the harness and spreader bar were designed to provide maximum comfort and safety.

The heifer suffered only minor scrapes, bruises and cuts. After being winched out, she quickly wandered away once her feet reached the ground.