TOPSHOTS This picture taken on March 26, 2012 shows a caretaker bathing a
white elephant in Naypyidaw. Kings and leaders in the predominantly Buddhist
nation have traditionally treasured white elephants, whose rare appearances in
the country are believed to herald good fortune, including power and political
change. AFP PHOTO/SOE THAN WIN
Pink elephants were on parade in a Burmese zoo today and they were causing
quite a splash.
The mother and baby clearly loved having a good wallow and tooted with
delight when their caretaker dowsed them with the hose. Usually their skin
is a reddish brown colour but they turn a light pink when wet. They also
have fair eyelashes and toenails.
Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are officially
known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey elephants nor
are they albinos.
The animals are treasured in Buddhist countries where their appearance is
said to bring good fortune and can herald political change.
And in Burma, after decades of military rule, political change does
gradually appear to be taking place with the release of iconic opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year and elections due to take place in the
capital this weekend.
In the pink: A caretaker squirts two rare pink elephants with the hose as
they enjoy a bath in Burma’s capital city Naypyidaw
Drinks break: Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are
officially known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey
elephants nor are they albinos
Bath time: Kings and leaders in the predominantly Buddhist nation have
traditionally treasured white elephants, whose rare appearances are believed
to herald good fortune, including power and political change
Easy rider: Normally the elephants’ skin is a reddish brown colour but they
turn a light pinkish colour when wet. They also have fair eyelashes and
toenails’
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