This elephant might just be the most adorable 'tax' collector in the world

While traveling via road, you might have seen government-employed officials collecting tax from commuters. But what if we told you the traditional concept of road tolls has taken an outlandish turn in Sri Lanka? Well, instead of people, a majestic 40-year-old wild elephant, Raja, has become the self-appointed road tax collector. The incredible story of Raja was covered by BBC Earth (@bbcearth on Instagram) featuring the adorable jumbo collecting his food tax along the Buttala-Kataragama road in Sri Lanka.

In the now-viral clip, Raja, the elephant, was captured standing by the roadside, patiently waiting for commuters. And the moment he spotted any vehicle, he would stop them and gently ask the driver or passengers for food. Unlike most elephants, Raja's approach seemed calm and polite. People, especially locals who are well aware of the elephant, would often carry fruits just for him. Interestingly, once Raja receives his "tax," he would peacefully let the commuters pass. The outlet reported that the wild elephant had been hustling by the highway for longer than any of his other counterparts. In fact, every morning at 6 am, Raja would greet people on the roadside, waiting for his meals. 

When Raja was being filmed over three weeks, the crew learned that he never got angry with people, rather he was always very gentle with travelers. Similarly, even the commuters responded with equal love and gentleness. While the majestic elephant's banter unfolded on the screen, the overlay text read, “It’s Raja’s world, we are just living in it. Revealing more about Raja, the outlet shared, "Meet the elephant who collects road tax. Raja the elephant is well known in these parts of Sri Lanka – he’ll let you pass, but only for a price!" in the caption. 

Meanwhile, reacting to the wholesome Instagram reel, @soumyamathews_ commented, "Bro found one loophole for free food and didn't even bother telling friends." @eagle_nightingale wrote, "'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves'...If the forty thieves had seen this elephant, they would definitely have quit their jobs." Similarly, @5umerce commented, "I would go on that round trip bus all the way just by passing by and giving him a bag of fruit every time I pass by." @wiseversity commented, "That's not tax, that's the recovery of debts. We stole their lands for millennia, now we also owe them." @biancavarela commented, "This is why elephants are my favorite animal, they’re so smart!"

@david0ffff, who had once been through the highway where Raja is often spotted, commented, "I went through there driving a tuk-tuk without paying, looked like a robbery to me. He almost got me, next time I would take some bananas." @its.kellybishop commented, "One banana? ONE BANANA? give that baby a bunch of bananas. Not one." On the other hand, @matthew1227606 wrote, "The wilderness should provide for them. Maybe they are being given food because of a lack of natural habitat." @thanhgia.ng commented, "Imagine a world where we actually honor elephants. Let’s live there!" @rain.dew.flower wrote, "But animals don't force for tax. I have seen this, those are taught to animals by their human trainers, bad men. In our area he makes his elephant ask for money sometimes."

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