At Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, Kent, a life-threatening situation was unfolding for a 13-year-old African elephant named Umna. The young elephant had collapsed due to colic, a dangerous condition that affects the digestive system and can cause severe pain, leading to a life-threatening emergency. With her massive two-ton weight pressing down on the ground, Umna was unable to rise, and her life was at risk. What followed was a dramatic and unprecedented rescue operation that would involve the combined efforts of animal keepers, firefighters, and animal transport specialists, working together to save her life.
It was an early morning at the park when the keepers first noticed that something was terribly wrong. Umna, typically a healthy and active elephant, was lying on the ground, unable to stand. Her large body was limp, and she appeared to be in distress. Colic in elephants can be deadly if not treated immediately, and the keepers knew they had to act fast. They began their initial attempts to lift her using ropes, carefully positioning the lines around her body, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The ropes failed to give Umna the support she needed to rise, and soon it became clear that they needed more assistance than they could provide on their own.
The park staff then turned to a forklift truck, hoping that its lifting power could help get the massive animal back on her feet. But even with the forklift’s strength, the two-ton elephant remained stuck on the ground. The team of animal keepers was desperate. Without immediate action, Umna’s condition would only worsen. That’s when they decided to call in Kent Fire and Rescue Service, known for their expertise in animal rescues, especially with large or farm animals.
At 9:30 am, the first team of firefighters from Faversham arrived at Howletts Wild Animal Park, ready to take on the challenge. This was no ordinary rescue; it was a mammoth task, both figuratively and literally. Soon, other specialists, including the urban search and rescue teams and a crew from Whitstable, arrived, bringing with them the equipment and experience necessary to tackle such an unprecedented rescue mission.
Ian West, the Faversham watch manager, shared his thoughts on the challenge. “This was truly a once-in-a-career event for us,” he said. “We’re used to farm animal rescues, but this was on a completely different scale.” The firefighters, with their expertise in heavy lifting operations, collaborated closely with the park keepers, who had an intimate knowledge of elephants and their care. Together, they devised a plan to lift Umna and get her back on her feet.
Using a combination of strops (strong lifting straps) and a Tirfor winch, they began the delicate process of lifting the massive elephant. The winch allowed them to gently raise her legs into a “begging” position, which would give her enough balance to redistribute her weight. It was a painstaking process, requiring careful coordination and constant communication between the fire crew and the keepers. As the ropes and winch were tightened, Umna’s legs were slowly brought into position, giving her enough leverage to start managing her own weight. After several tense moments, the elephant was finally able to rise, slowly but surely.
The successful outcome of the rescue left everyone involved in awe. “It was an incredible moment to see her get up,” said West. “I’m so proud of how everyone worked together. It was a real team effort, and it was amazing to see the cooperation between the fire service and the elephant keepers.” It was a rare and extraordinary event, one that firefighters like West would likely never experience again in their careers. The moment when Umna was finally standing, her massive frame upright once more, was a triumph of skill, precision, and teamwork.
Neil Spooner, the animal director at Howletts Wild Animal Park, expressed his gratitude for the invaluable help from the firefighters, but he was also quick to acknowledge another crucial member of the team. Roy Smith, an animal transport expert, had been at the park for a meeting when the emergency occurred. His knowledge and experience with large animal handling proved indispensable in the critical moments of the rescue. Smith’s expertise, combined with the efforts of the firefighters and the keepers, played a key role in saving Umna’s life.
attempt was made using a forklift truck.
Spooner was overwhelmed with gratitude, acknowledging that the rescue was a collective effort. “It’s hard to put into words how thankful we are,” he said. “Without the help of the firefighters, Roy, and the keepers, this could have ended very differently. The collaboration between all parties saved Umna’s life, and we’re incredibly relieved and grateful.”
After the rescue, the park staff continued to monitor Umna’s health closely. They gave her fluids to keep her hydrated, and she was provided with special care to ensure her recovery from the colic. Her condition improved steadily, and within a short time, she was back on her feet, moving around the park with the care and attention she so needed. The entire team at Howletts Wild Animal Park remained on high alert, ensuring that Umna would continue to recover and that no further complications would arise.
For the firefighters, the rescue was a reminder of the unexpected challenges they face in their line of work. Although they are trained for a variety of emergencies, rescues like this one — involving a large, wild animal — are rare. But despite the scale of the task, the team remained calm and focused, using their training and resources to save Umna. Their success was a testament to their expertise and the power of teamwork.
As for Umna, the rescue marked a new chapter in her life. She had survived a life-threatening condition with the help of some of the most unlikely heroes — firefighters and animal keepers working hand in hand. For the staff at Howletts Wild Animal Park, the rescue will be a story they tell for years to come. It’s a story of compassion, collaboration, and the determination to save a life, no matter the obstacles in the way.
