Sri Lankan Elephant Raja Collects 'Protection Fees' from Drivers on Local Road

In Sri Lanka, a wild elephant named Raja, over 40 years old, has become a local phenomenon by blocking traffic on the Butale-Katargama road to collect what locals call a "protection fee" from drivers. Raja stands in the middle of the road, stopping vehicles from both directions and uses his trunk to request offerings such as bananas, fruits, or snacks from the drivers.

This behavior, which started as a simple search for food, has evolved into a regular practice. Drivers familiar with Raja's routine often stop at roadside fruit stalls beforehand to prepare the required "tax." Despite causing traffic delays and congestion, Raja is treated with respect and admiration by the local community.

A video of Raja posted by BBC Earth went viral, garnering over 16 million views within 24 hours. Online viewers reacted with amusement and praise, with some joking that Raja’s method is the only way they would pay taxes, while others humorously commented on "corruption in the animal government."