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It has been said that the Aanca was a Gryphon.  However, I came across it
being defined as an 'Elephant Bird.'  

At the site: http://history.chess.free.fr/acedrex.htm we can read about
'Grant Acedrex' d'Alphonse X de Castille (from the year 1283) which
concerns the Aanca [in part], as it was part of a game being discussed.

It is written there, 'The description given by Alfonso does not
correspond to a Gryphon. This word is obviously of Oriental origin, the
arabic word anka designating a mythical giant bird often found in tales
such Sinbad the Sailor. This bird was similar to the Rok or the Phoenix.
The Aepyornis of Madagascar  could have been the inspiration. This bird is
now extinct but it is very likely that it co-existed with man in historic
times. Arabic merchants could have been aware of this animal and it is
very plausible that this was the basis for the legend.'

It is an interesting chess site.  I highly recommend it.