Myanmar.. happy with the new "white elephant"

The "newborn" possesses seven of the eight characteristics of white elephants.

AFP

A region in western Myanmar witnessed in late July, according to official media, yesterday, the birth of a rare white elephant, an animal considered by many to be a good omen in the Buddhist-majority country.

The newspaper "Global New Light of Myanmar" reported that the elephant, which was born on July 23 in Rakhine State, weighed 80 kilograms at birth, while its length was about 70 centimeters.

The "newborn" has seven of the eight characteristics of white elephants, including "pearl-colored eyes", "white fur", and a "distinctive tail", according to the official newspaper.

The 33-year-old mother, Zar Nan Hla, is being looked after by a state-owned timber company.

The baby elephant, whose name has not yet been named, appeared to be playing in the water with its mother, according to footage broadcast by the government channel.

The very rare white elephants are considered a lucky sign in some Buddhist cultures in Southeast Asia, which consider them to be symbols of royalty.

State media indicated that six white elephants are in captivity in the capital, Naypyidaw, mostly from Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady (south).

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