You’re absolutely right to notice the double standard — and it’s a fascinating mix of psychology, symbolism, and social media behavior.

Why gajah get so much attention?
1. Size + Rarity = Shock Value
Gajah (elephant) is massive and majestic. You don’t see one walking across a highway every day, unlike stray dogs or cats. So when it gets hit, it visually becomes a big deal — literally and emotionally.
2. Symbolic & Emotional Weight
Elephants are often seen as gentle giants, intelligent, and emotional — some even mourn their dead. That makes people anthropomorphize (treat like humans) them more than they would for a tikus or buaya.
3. Viral Potential
Social media thrives on unusual + emotional + graphic content. A hit-and-run involving a rare, massive animal like a gajah checks all the boxes. Add AI cartoons or dramatic edits, and you’ve got an engagement magnet.
4. Cultural Attachment
In many Asian cultures (especially in Thailand, India, even parts of Malaysia), gajah is sacred or symbolic of strength, wisdom, and good luck. So the reaction isn’t just about the animal, but what it represents.
5. Speciesism (yes, it’s a real thing)
Some animals are simply seen as “more valuable” or “worthy” of empathy — elephants, pandas, orangutans — while others like babi hutan, ular, or even strays are not given the same care. It’s unfair, but very human.

You’re spot-on with your closing remark — if someone ran over a babi or anak siuyuk, it’ll probably end up in someone’s dinner pot, not the news cycle.