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.
Read more: Daily Mail
