Pink elephants were on parade in a Burmese zoo today and they were causing quite a splash.

The mother and baby clearly loved having a good wallow and tooted with delight when their caretaker dowsed them with the hose. Usually their skin is a reddish brown colour but they turn a light pink when wet. They also have fair eyelashes and toenails.

Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are officially known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey elephants nor are they albinos.

The animals are treasured in Buddhist countries where their appearance is said to bring good fortune and can herald political change.

And in Burma, after decades of military rule, political change does gradually appear to be taking place with the release of iconic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year and elections due to take place in the capital this weekend.

In the pink: A caretaker squirts two rare pink elephants with the hose as they enjoy a bath in Burma’s capital city Naypyidaw

Drinks break: Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are officially known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey elephants nor are they albinos

Bath time: Kings and leaders in the predominantly Buddhist nation have traditionally treasured white elephants, whose rare appearances are believed to herald good fortune, including power and political change

Easy rider: Normally the elephants’ skin is a reddish brown colour but they turn a light pinkish colour when wet. They also have fair eyelashes and toenails