A rare “white elephant” – traditionally viewed in south-east Asia as a symbol of good fortune and power – has been captured in Burma, state media reports.

Reports say the elephant was tracked down in Maungdaw in western Burma. It is likely to be brought to the capital, Naypyidaw, for the military ruler, General Than Shwe.

White elephants are only nominally white – they often look reddish-brown in the sun, and light pink when wet. They have white hairs on their body.

Language barrier

With elections due this year under terms the country’s opposition considers unacceptable, Burma’s military rulers have been hunting for their good omen for some time now.

When a white elephant was sighted earlier this year in the western jungle, they reportedly sent an army u

nit to scour the area and find it.

Their prize is said to be about 40 years old, 2m (6.5ft) tall, with pearl-coloured eyes.

Gen Than Shwe has never had a white elephant of his own, although Burma’s

leaders travel in aircraft called White Elephants 1 and 2.

The generals may hope their new trophy – and their own fortunes – are not blighted by linguistic association.

In English and some other languages, a white elephant also means a useless structure, and a needlessly expensive burden.

SOURCE: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10452174.stm