SANTA CLAUS — A deer required a dramatic rescue operation after it fell into a deep pool at the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, highlighting a successful inter-agency effort.
According to the Law Enforcement Division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), conservation officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. after reports came in of a deer trapped in the park’s pool. The pool, which was protected by a safety net, was between 14 and 15 feet deep.
The emergency response required coordination and specialized care to ensure the animal’s safety. Before the rescue could proceed, a veterinarian from Animal Hospital Inc. was brought in to sedate the deer. The sedation was necessary to safely lift the animal without causing further injury or distress to the deer or the rescuers.
After the deer was sedated, rescue teams carefully placed the animal on a backboard for medical transport. Utilizing the equipment and manpower from multiple agencies, the deer was successfully hoisted out of the deep pool.
The Indiana DNR confirmed that the rescue was a collaborative effort involving several local public safety organizations. Agencies assisting the conservation officers included the Santa Claus Volunteer Fire Department and the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office.
Following its successful retrieval, the deer was safely transported to another, unspecified area of the park where it could recover and be released back into the wild.
The Indiana DNR later shared photos of the successful outcome, showing the deer walking safely on dry land after its ordeal, a testament to the quick response and teamwork of the involved parties.
