Myanmar military finds lucky white elephant

YANGON, Myanmar -- Myanmar's ruling military rejoiced over the capture of a rare white elephant, which it believes will finally bring peace and prosperity to their impoverished country.

Official newspapers and television featured stories on the find with pictures of a six-foot (1.8 meter) high, eight-year-old bull elephant reportedly captured in the northeastern jungles, Reuters news agency reported.

"The animal is significant and different from others as its skin is whitish-pink in color in the rain and it changes to moderate russet in cold sunny weather," state newspapers reported.

"According to the records compiled by learned persons, it is said the white elephant brings peace, stability and prosperity to the nation, that it prevents all hazards and dangers and that the country enjoys annual bumper food harvests."

A government spokesman told Reuters the elephant was being brought to the capital Yangon.

The last white elephant in Burma was found in 1961 in Intawgyi District of Kachin State, Norther Burma.

According Myanmar's legend, this kind of beast is considered sacred.

Its possession was seen as very important. Ancient kings were said to have fought over them, and rulers with white elephants were known to have been successful.

The military has ruled Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, since taking power in 1962.

The country is one of the poorest in Asia as a result of being isolated by most Western nations due to the government's suppression of the pro-democracy opposition, and allegations of widespread human rights abuses.