Swiss firefighters pull donkey from manhole

PRATTELN, Switzerland, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Swiss firefighters said they rescued a donkey found with its head and front legs sticking out the top of an uncovered manhole.

Basel Country firefighters said a passerby alerted emergency services Saturday when he spotted the 13-year-old donkey, Nilo, with its head and front legs sticking out of the top of an uncovered manhole at a playground in Pratteln.

Firefighters found the donkey's legs were stuck in the manhole's piping, but they were able to lift the animal out of its predicament without causing any serious injuries.

Basel Country firefighters rescued a donkey from a manhole in Pratteln, Switzerland. (Basel Country Cantonal Police)

Police said the donkey incurred some "flesh wounds" but was able to rejoin its petting zoo.

Police spokesman Meinrad Stoeklin said the donkey was cooperative with rescuers.

"He was very cool," Stoeklin said.

Stoeklin said police are investigating why the manhole was uncovered.

Basel Country firefighters rescued a donkey from a manhole in Pratteln, Switzerland. (Basel Country Cantonal Police)