Valentines Day: Elephants tie the knot in Thailand
Two pairs of elephants have married in Thailand.
In flowing gowns embroidered with red hearts, they tied the knot in an elaborate ceremony in the ancient capital of Ayuthaya.Sporting a pretty pink bow, Oi Jan, (Sweetheart), 24, married Plai Bua Ban (Blossoming Lotus), 24. The other couple were 18 year-olds Nam Peung (Honey) and Plai Nga Thong (Golden Tusk).
The brides were chosen from 20 females at the Ayuthaya elephant shelter 44 miles north of Bangkok. The grooms work at a seaside resort.
Brian Clarke, an American volunteer at the shelter, said the wedding was a way of giving more prominence to Thailand's national animal, whose numbers have dropped sharply as their use as beasts of burden has dwindled.
Two baby orphan elephants from neighbouring Myanmar, also known as Burma, carried coin dowries in gold and silver bags, which were presented to the owners of the grooms.
Officials helped the elephants put trunk prints on jumbo-sized marriage certificates before presenting them with garlands of yellow flowers. The newlyweds then had their wedding photos taking at historic temple ruins nearby.
