Which animals are considered sacred in different cultures?

The answer

Sacred animals reflect profound cultural and religious values. Cows are venerated in Hinduism as symbols of life and motherhood, with most Indian states banning their slaughter. Cats were sacred in ancient Egypt, where killing one could be punished by death; the goddess Bastet was depicted as a cat. In Shinto tradition, foxes (kitsune) are messengers of the rice deity Inari and are honored with thousands of shrines across Japan. Elephants are sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions as embodiments of Ganesha and symbols of the Buddha's conception. In ancient Mesoamerica, jaguars were associated with the underworld and royal power. The Haida people of the Pacific Northwest revere the raven as a creator figure. Even today, many Thai people consider white elephants royal property belonging to the king.