Dramatic, viral cow rescue from an old well in Abiansemal, Badung

A video showing the heroic actions of the Badung Regency Fire and Rescue Service (Damkar Badung) personnel evacuating a cow from an old well has suddenly gone viral on social media. Netizens were both tense and impressed by the dramatic rescue process.

In the short video, the well appears deep and narrow, limiting space for manoeuvre. The brown cow is seen at the bottom of the well, which is also waterlogged.

Using specialist rescue equipment including a supporting tripod, a pulley system, and webbing straps, the Badung Damkar team swiftly and carefully began hauling the heavy animal upward.

‘Dua.. dua.. terus! Terus! Tarik!’ the on-site crew shouted in unison, coordinating their pulling rhythm.

Thanks to solid teamwork and professionalism, the cow was eventually lifted to the surface of the well and, once its hooves touched the ground, released from the rope and allowed to move away towards the plantation area in good health and with no serious injuries.

The overnight rescue operation drew praise from netizens who lauded the Badung Damkar officers for not only swiftly tackling fires but also for their readiness to save living beings in any emergency.

Head of the Badung Fire and Rescue Department (Diskarmat) I Wayan Wirya said the cow, which had fallen into the well several metres deep, belongs to resident Agung Bagus Upadana in Banjar Tabah, Desa Taman, Abiansemal Sub-district, Badung. The accident report was first received at the fire post from the owner who panicked on seeing his livestock fall in.

‘We received a report that a local cow fell into a well in Banjar Tabah on Thursday (21 May 2026) afternoon, and the rescue teams immediately moved to the scene. The process of lifting the cow from the old well was rather dramatic due to the tight space,’ Wirya said when contacted on Friday (22 May 2026).

Upon arrival, the officers found the brown bull collapsed at the bottom of the well, which was flooded with water. They tied the animal’s body with a special tether to prevent injury to its abdomen or legs during the ascent. The lifting required extra effort and teamwork due to the cow’s substantial weight.

‘The incident involved one cow, and the on-site handling time was around 20 minutes from start to finish. The cow was alive after rescue and was released,’ Wirya concluded.

(nor/nor)