A rare white elephant has been discovered in western Burma during a round-up of wild beasts.

An official press reports that the eight-year-old male elephant possesses all the key characteristics with pearl eyes and skin that's a whitish-light pink colour.

The group, Friends of the Asian Elephant in Bangkok says the animal appears to be an unusual truly albino elephant which is rare because there's only one that's know of in Laos.

The Burmese authorities say the elephant captured by ministry of forestry staff is an eight-year old bull that stands nearly 1.8 metres high.

Historically, white elephants were considered extremely auspicious in Southeast Asian culture, and the region's ancient rulers acquired as many as they could to boost their fortune.

• Story originally published by:
Radio Australia News - Nov 09.01

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