A rare white elephant has been born in Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Local residents believe this is a good omen.
The unusual white elephant weighs about 80 kg and stands approximately 70 cm tall. Images shared by Myanmar’s state television show the white elephant following its mother to a river, bathing, and then being fed by her.
In Myanmar culture, white elephants are considered extremely auspicious.
The newborn elephant possesses 7 out of 8 characteristics associated with the rare white elephant species. It has pearly eyes, white fur, a distinctive tail, auspicious markings on its skin, 5 toes on its front feet and 4 on its back feet, and large ears. White elephants are not purely white but typically have a light pinkish-brown color.
The mother elephant, named Zar Nan Hla, is 33 years old. In Myanmar culture, white elephants are considered extremely auspicious, and ancient rulers would acquire as many white elephants as possible to enhance their fortune.
However, the extravagant care required for white elephants can be quite costly, leading many to change their attitudes. They believe that the high food consumption and expenses associated with raising a white elephant would be a burden for the family.
Currently, there are about 6 white elephants being kept in the capital of Myanmar, most of which come from Rakhine State and the southern Ayeyarwady region.
White elephants in Myanmar are invaluable treasures; the ruling class has long believed that they are gifts from nature, bringing authority, luck, and prosperity.
