Donkey in five-hour rescue from water-filled storm drain

A donkey has been rescued from a water-filled storm drain in a five-hour operation carried out by the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service.

The incident occurred in a field in Heydon, Cambridgeshire, on 17 August, and the donkey is still being treated at an equine hospital.

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Cambridge News reports that a mechanical excavator and shovels were used to get to the donkey, before he was hoisted out in animal rescue gear.

According to the BBC, Elaine Fisher, who runs the stable where Noah the donkey is kept, said the storm drain cover had been stolen by metal thieves.

The rescue team shared a post on Facebook explaining that a crowd-funding page has also now been set up to help pay for care of the rescued donkey.

Six-year-old Noah, who is owned by the local church and looked after by the local community at Lovely View Stables, is currently being treated at Cambridge Equine Hospital.

The online crowd funding page set up to pay for his vet bills has already netted over £1,000.

Vikki Scott, Internal Medicine Specialist at Cambridge Equine Hospital, explained: "The work the fire crew did to rescue Noah enabled us to work together to save him. The fire service has skills, equipment and expertise that we don't have access to be able to carry out an incredible rescue, and then once he was out, we have the skills here to help him medically.

"Between us with this team approach hopefully we will have a successful outcome.

"He has made a really good improvement today, he's a tough little fighter and although his chances were slim, he's rallied everything he has and I'm much more confident there will be a positive outcome."

A number of people left comments praising the work of the Cambridge Fire and Rescue team on Twitter.

One wrote: "You are amazing people", while another said: "Very well done and thank you to everyone who helped rescue the donkey."

Indeed, the firefighters who worked tirelessly to rescue the donkey from the seven-foot-deep storm drain have been presented with an Animal Hero award.

Cambridge's black watch has been given the commendation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

On Monday 24 August, firefighters from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service visited Noah at the vet, where they were presented with the certificate.

Crew Commander Jeff Whitlam, Black Watch at Cambridge, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support and praise by the community since carrying out this rescue and this award has just topped it off. It is humbling to be recognised as heroes by PETA but we are trained to rescue animals and we know any of our colleagues would have done the same. The real thanks must go to those people locally who helped us on the night and who have since been fundraising and caring for Noah."

Peta UK Director Elisa Allen added: "The skill, determination and compassion that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated in saving this donkey's life will inspire others throughout the community and beyond.

"Cambridgeshire is fortunate to have an emergency service that is ready to protect and serve both residents and the animals who call the area home."

A Facebook page called Noah the Donkey has also been set up for anyone who would like to follow his progress and contribute to his vet bills.

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