Panda Lookalike: Is It Truly a Panda or Something Else?

At first glance, viewers will find it difficult to distinguish this strange animal is a panda or an elephant. It has the typical elephant trunk but the color of fur and the eyes of a panda.

The elephant looks like a panda – Photo: Auyutthaya Elephant Village

These three unique animals were present and made their mark at an art exhibition in Ayutthaya, southern Thailand last week, according to the Daily Mail on March 23.

This is actually a way of promoting Elephantstay, a not-for-profit program to conserve, support and encourage elephant rearing in Thailand.

Coloring process for elephants – Photo: Auyutthaya Elephant Village

According to the reserve staff, these three strange animals are three elephants painted in acrylic colors for the panda. They claim the paint is completely safe for animals and will be removed within a few hours.

The sanctuary is one of the most successful elephant breeders in the world, with 66 successful births since 2000.

Three elephants are painted to resemble pandas – Photo: Auyutthaya Elephant Village