Are there white elephants

A statue of a white elephant in Thailand. Thailand is known as the land of the white elephant. White elephants are not a distinct species, but rather elephants with unusually light skin.

In Thai culture, white elephants in the king's possession represent the power and prosperity of his reign. Joyce Chepkemoi November 19 in World Facts. Olympic Games History. The white elephant—which was more often than not stricken with albinism, and thus more a ruddy-pink color—was, and remains to this day, a symbol of success.

To reject a gift of a white elephant would have been illogical if you valued your reputation. And your head. A real white elephant made headlines on Sunday, Mar. These animals enjoy pampered lifestyles far above that of the average Myanmarese citizen. But ironically enough, the beasts have been just as much a cause for political unrest as periods of peace. Though historians still debate the actual inciting factors, some say the Burmese-Siamese War of broke out when King Maha Chakkraphat ruler of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in modern-day Thailand refused to bequeath several of his own white elephants to the king of Burma now Myanmar.

Burma captures 9th rare white elephant. Associated Press AP. Share your feedback to help improve our site! A few days ago, we woke up to an almost white Bai-Ngern, as she covered herself in mud overnight. Bai-Ngern is years old and is the newest addition to our Park. To see all elephants in our park, click here. Unlike whitened elephants, the true white elephant is extremely important in Thai culture.

They are believed to be essential to the wellbeing and prosperity of the Kingdom as well as a symbol of great power. By law, all white elephants have to be given to His Majesty The King. Click here for an image of the flag. In fact, pure white elephants , like the one on the flag , do not really exist. Certainly, rare albino elephants exist, although they are generally a reddish-brown colour rather than white. Click here for the images.

Sometimes the colour is not the main factor and many look very much like normal, grey elephants. Several centuries ago, the Kings of Thailand would sometimes give a white elephant to their enemies. They could become quite an expensive burden!