Forest department officials in Sri Lanka rescued a leopard stuck in a tree after it was attacked by villagers and critically injured.

The incident took place in the Tambathenna area of the Gartmore Tea Estate, 146 kilometres (90.72 miles) from the capital Colombo on April 18.

Footage first shows officials locating the leopard, who is seen resting atop a tree. After chalking a way out, officials used tranquilliser guns to sedate the animal. After a second successful attempt, a man is seen climbing up the tree and placing a harness around the leopard's body to bring the animal down.

A net was used as a safety measure and the leopard was taken away after being put inside a metal cage.

According to a wildlife officer, the critically injured leopard was taken to the Ranidenigala Veterinary Hospital, where it is undergoing treatment.