A brave elephant mum at a Kent wildlife park has survived against the odds after giving birth to twins.

Keepers at Howletts, near Canterbury, were overjoyed when Masa the African elephant came out of labour alive last week.

In the wild having twins is rare often causes in the death of both mother and calves.

Masa gave birth last week to a baby boy elephant after a 22-month pregnancy.

Sadly, his twin did not survive.

Charlotte Jones, of Howletts, said: "After a 22 month pregnancy an African elephant calf has finally arrived for mother Masa at Howletts Wild Animal Park.

"The as yet unnamed male was one of a pair of twins born at the park on January 25 but unfortunately the other calf did not survive.

"Twin elephants are incredibly rare, estimated to occur in less than two per cent of cases, and for both mother and one of the calves to have survived is a great success.

"The birth of twins in the wild will often result in the death of both mother and calves."

Masa can be adopted for £3 per month at www.aspinallfoundation.org