TIME(@TIME):Five years ago, online videos began to spread in Colombia of a man in a full-body elephant costume, pointing out incomplete public infrastructure projects, which are nicknamed “white elephants.” He crisscrossed the country, submitting legal complaints and exposing billions in waste, all from inside the costume. This year, he revealed his identity as Luis Carlos Rúa, a local-government whistle-blower who had been forced out of his job and his hometown. He won. A 2026 TIME100 Next honoree, Rúa spoke to TIME about the meaning behind his white elephant costume and the importance of rebuilding Colombian infrastructure at a celebration of the annual list in New York City.

2026.10.30 03:46

Five years ago, online videos began to spread in Colombia of a man in a full-body elephant costume, pointing out incomplete public infrastructure projects, which are nicknamed “white elephants.” He crisscrossed the country, submitting legal complaints and exposing billions in waste, all from inside the costume. This year, he revealed his identity as Luis Carlos Rúa, a local-government whistle-blower who had been forced out of his job and his hometown. He won. A 2026 TIME100 Next honoree, Rúa spoke to TIME about the meaning behind his white elephant costume and the importance of rebuilding Colombian infrastructure at a celebration of the annual list in New York City.

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