Where is white elephant found?
A 'white elephant' isn't actually a separate species. They are very rare Asian elephants, typically with albinism, which gives them a lighter, pinkish-grey skin and fair hair.
You'll mainly find reverence for them in Southeast Asian countries. Thailand and Myanmar are particularly famous for this. In these cultures, the white elephant is considered extremely sacred and auspicious, a true symbol of a monarch's power and prosperity. So, they aren't just found in a jungle; they are revered treasures, often kept by royalty or the state itself.
In India, people often think of white elephants as mythical, but in reality, they exist as pale elephants due to genetic traits. Historically, Burmese and Thai kings kept them as sacred animals. Today, you can see them in some temples and royal grounds in Myanmar and Thailand.
“White elephants” are rare albino elephants mainly found in Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Laos. They are not pure white but have pale skin and lighter features. In these countries, they are considered symbols of royalty and prosperity.
Where found? - Myanmar (most famous) - Thailand - Laos - Cambodia These elephants are considered lucky and are treated almost like divine beings. They are not common in Africa or India in the same sense.
I’ve seen one in Bangkok, Thailand, during my trip. The Royal family still treasures them. They’re not “snow white” like people imagine, more like a pale pinkish-grey color. But culturally, they’re called white elephants.