A calf was successfully rescued after falling into a mine shaft near Whroo, Victoria, in an effort coordinated by Country Fire Authority (CFA) and other emergency responders. Reports indicate that the young animal became trapped in a vertical shaft approximately 10 metres deep. Firefighters and rescue personnel worked carefully to extract the calf without causing further distress or injury.
The incident occurred on a rural property in Whroo, a small locality known for its historical mining activity. Given the region’s terrain and the presence of old mine shafts, such incidents pose unique challenges for rescuers. The calf, described as young and relatively small, fell into the shaft at an unspecified time, prompting its owner or a bystander to alert emergency services.
Upon receiving the call, CFA crews from Rushworth, supported by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The depth of the mine shaft and the uncertainty regarding its stability required a careful approach. The rescuers utilised specialist equipment and techniques to ensure both their safety and the successful retrieval of the animal.
Photos from the CFA show firefighters working near the edge of the shaft, using ropes to lower a rescuer into the confined space. A harness was secured around the calf before it was gradually lifted to the surface. Despite the depth of the mine shaft, the operation was completed efficiently, and reports confirm that the calf was uninjured following its extraction.
CFA officials highlighted the complexity of the rescue, noting that old mine shafts in rural Victoria can be hazardous due to their unpredictable structure. Such rescues require trained personnel with expertise in confined space operations and animal rescue techniques. The exact condition of the mine shaft in this instance was not detailed, but similar rescues in the past have faced concerns about structural instability and potential collapses.
Following the successful retrieval of the calf, crews remained on site briefly to assess the situation and ensure there were no further risks. It is unclear whether the shaft was subsequently secured or if preventive measures will be taken to prevent further incidents involving livestock or wildlife.
This incident underscores the hazards associated with historical mining regions in Victoria. CFA and FRV regularly respond to rescues involving both humans and animals caught in confined spaces or unstable ground. While such incidents are relatively uncommon, emergency services stress the importance of property owners being aware of potential dangers on their land.
Whroo and surrounding areas have a long history of gold mining dating back to the 19th century. The region’s landscape contains abandoned shafts and tunnels, many of which remain open or partially covered. The exact number of disused mine shafts in the area is unknown, but local authorities and landowners are periodically reminded of the risks they pose.
While no formal statement has been issued regarding future measures to prevent similar incidents, emergency services typically advise landowners to identify and secure old mine shafts where possible. In previous cases across Victoria, landowners have fenced off open shafts or reported hazardous terrain to local authorities for assessment.
The calf’s condition following the rescue appears to be good, as per available information. No reports suggest that further veterinary treatment was required, and it is assumed that the animal was returned to its owner. However, specific details about the calf’s health post-rescue have not been comprehensively confirmed by officials.
Animal rescues involving mine shafts and confined spaces require both a high degree of technical skill and specialist equipment. Emergency services, including CFA and FRV, routinely train for scenarios where animals or people may become trapped underground or in remote locations. Bowens-based CFA District 22 personnel responded in this instance alongside other regional emergency teams.
Operational details about how emergency services located and accessed the mine shaft remain limited. The location was identified as being near Whroo, but exact GPS coordinates or property details have not been disclosed. Authorities have not stated whether the mine shaft was documented in mining records or if it was previously known to local residents.
There is no indication that further investigations into the incident will take place. In similar cases, emergency services generally provide post-rescue assessments to landowners regarding site safety. It is unknown whether the CFA or local council will follow up with additional inspections.
The rescue has been positively received, with CFA personnel sharing details and images of the operation on official news channels. Community members have reacted with appreciation for the swift and professional response, though no direct public statements from the calf’s owner have been widely reported.
Authorities have not issued further warnings or updated safety guidelines in response to this incident. Landowners in regions with historic mining activity are generally advised to remain vigilant and monitor their properties for signs of unstable ground or open shafts.
The successful rescue of the calf highlights the importance of emergency response coordination in regional Victorian areas, where unique challenges such as abandoned mines require specialist intervention. Emergency responders emphasise both the risks and the need for preparedness in handling similar incidents in the future.
References:
CFA News – Moo-ving rescue after calf falls down mine shaft
[https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/news/moo-ving-rescue-after-calf-falls-down-mine-shaft](https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/news/moo-ving-rescue-after-calf-falls-down-mine-shaft)
Additional sources:
ABC News (Verification pending)
The Age (Verification pending)
Victorian Government Emergency Services Updates (Verification pending)