A rare birth of a white elephant in Burma

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In late July, an area in western Burma witnessed the birth of a rare white elephant, considered by many as a good omen in Burma, on Wednesday, according to official media.

The newspaper “Global New Light of Myanmar” reported that the elephant, born on July 23 in Rakhine State, weighed 80 kilograms at birth and was about 70 centimeters long.

Of the eight characteristics of white elephants, the official newspaper said the newborn had seven characteristics, including “pearl-colored eyes”, “white fur” and a “distinctive tail”.

Zar Nan Hla, a 33-year-old mother, is being cared for by a state-owned timber company.

The baby elephant, which has not yet been named, was seen playing in the water with its mother in footage broadcast by a government channel.

The extremely rare white elephants are considered a symbol of good luck in some Southeast Asian Buddhist cultures and are symbols of royalty.

State media indicated that six white elephants were being held in captivity in the capital Naypyitaw, mostly in Rakhine state and Ayerwadi (south).