Read paragraphs 5 and 6. What is ironic about Orwell’s first sighting of the elephant?

Orwell didn't want to shoot the elephant. It was eating peacefully. He also didn't want to destroy a working elephant,

I had halted on the road. As soon as I saw the elephant I knew with perfect certainty that I ought not to shoot him. It is a serious matter to shoot a working elephant – it is comparable to destroying a huge and costly piece of machinery – and obviously one ought not to do it if it can possibly be avoided.

The natives still demanded that Orwell shoot it.