Animal rescuers rush to save a collapsed African elephant at Howletts. Picture: Shelley Ansell

Staff at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury called in firefighters today to help save the life of a 13-year-old African elephant which had collapsed in its enclosure.

They were faced with the drama after the two-ton animal, called Umna, became trapped on its side in its ‘bedroom’ after falling ill with colic.

The condition is life-threatening for elephants and the park’s keepers desperately struggled to get Umna up on her feet and moving. Initially they tried to lift her by placing ropes around her, but she was just too heavy.

After a second attempt using a forklift truck failed, they called in Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), who have specialist animal rescue and heavy lifting equipment.

Specially trained firefighters from Faversham, who are more used to rescuing farm animals, were sent to the scene at 9.30am.

They were later joined by members of the Urban Search and Rescue teams and a crew from Whitstable.

Faversham Watch Manager Ian West said: "Our team is more used to rescuing cattle and horses, so we explained to park keeping team how we would like to go about the rescue, based on our expertise. They shared their knowledge of the animal and together we came up with a plan to get the elephant to her feet."

Neil Spooner, Animal Director for Howletts, praised the firefighters efforts. He said: "Without them and their equipment we almost certainly would not have been able to get Umna up.

"Animal transport expert Roy Smith was also an invaluable help organising things. He was there by complete coincidence for a meeting about moving elephants between parks.

"The joint efforts of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the elephant keepers and Roy definitely saved the life of this elephant and we are extremely grateful."