A clumsy elephant became stuck between tree branches and needed help to be freed.

Footage shows the stranded 18-year-old female jumbo, Phang Nam Phet, with rescuers using a saw to free her in Surin, Thailand, on July 31.

The jumbo's handler said had tied her to the tree before going for breakfast. When she heard unusual noises, she found the animal trapped between the trunks.

Initially, she thought Phang Nam Phet could free herself by backing out, but the frightened elephant trumpeted loudly as her belly was wedged between the logs and her legs dangled in the slippery mud, making it difficult for her to gain traction.

Rescuers arrived to assist, and Phang Nam Phet eventually freed herself by pushing and wiggling.

The owner suggested the elephant might have become caught up while trying to scratch herself on the tree to relieve an itch.

Thailand has around 4,000 elephants in captivity. They are kept at tourist attractions and sanctuaries or detained privately so they can be hired out for religious customs.