Firefighters faced a challenge of jumbo proportions when they assisted an elephant that had become trapped on its side.
They initially tried to shift the 13-year-old by placing ropes around her body to lift her, but the two-tonne animal proved just too heavy.
Specially trained firefighters from Faversham, who are more usually called to rescue farm animals, were sent to the scene at 9.30am.
They were later joined by members of the urban search and rescue teams along with a crew from Whitstable.
Faversham watch manager Ian West, who attended the incident, said: ‘Our team is more used to rescuing cattle and horses.
‘So we explained to the park keeping team how we would like to go about the rescue, based on our expertise.
Help: Firefighters initially tried to shift the 13-year-old by placing ropes around her body to lift her, but the two-tonne animal proved just too heavy – and a second attempt was made using a forklift truck
Neil Spooner, animal director at Howletts, said they were also helped by animal transport expert Roy Smith, who by coincidence happened to be at the site for a meeting about moving elephants between parks.
He added: ‘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.’