Hanno was the Vatican elephant. He was white and given as a gift by King Manuel I of Portugal to Pope Leo X in 1514. He was a favorite and featured in many processions. He became constipated, however, and was given a laxative that killed him. It was a sad time. The great artist Raphael designed the memorial fresco and the Pope himself composed the epitaph.
Hanno is buried under the Vatican courtyard.
Vatican Elephant William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 2-8-18
Nice post! Guess that’s where we get the “white elephant” gift?
Actually, the phrase is usually traced to Siam where the king would give one to a courtier who had fallen from favor. It was such a honor that it couldn’t be refused but the upkeep was such that it would invariable bankrupt the recipient.