In Sri Lanka, there’s an elephant who has taken on an unusual role - collecting road tax from passing vehicles.
Raja, a well-known wild elephant who stands in the middle of the road, extending his trunk to motorists as if asking for payment. But instead of money, his preferred toll is fruit and snacks.
He has become a local celebrity, particularly in the Kataragama area, where drivers have come to expect his friendly "tax collection" routine. Far from being aggressive, he patiently waits as vehicles slow down, often receiving bananas, watermelons, or other treats before stepping aside to let them pass.
While his antics might seem amusing, they also highlight the reality of human-elephant interactions in Sri Lanka. The country is home to thousands of wild elephants, and as development encroaches on their habitats, encounters like this are becoming more common.
For now, Raja remains a charming, if unconventional, roadside attraction. But his presence is also a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife, and the need for conservation efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s magnificent elephants.
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