A local fisherman in Costa Rica nursed a crocodile back to health after it had being shot in the head, and released the reptile back to its home. The next day, the man discovered “Pocho” had followed him home and was sleeping on the mans porch. For 20 years Pocho became part of the mans family
A kind local man named Chito Shedden stumbled upon the starving, suffering croc. Little did he know, that was the day he’d become the crocodile’s caretaker, guardian angel, and best friend. Chico couldn’t bear to let the crocodile die. He named him Pocho, and dedicated himself to nursing the poor animal back to health. “I just wanted him to feel that someone loved him, that not all humans are bad,” Chito told The Tico Times. “I love all animals, especially ones that have suffered.”
When Pocho had regained his health, Chito took him back to the river to release him. But much to Chito’s surprise, he found the massive animal sleeping on his veranda the next morning — Pocho had followed him home in the middle of the night! So, with permission from the Minister for Environment and the assistance of a veterinarian, Chito spent the next two decades looking after Pocho.
These two unlikely best friends spent their days swimming in the river outside Chito’s home, playing, and cuddling. Tourists and scientists alike were shocked by Pocho’s gentleness, and the fact he would go to Chito when he called his name!
In 2011, after many years of friendship, Pocho died of natural causes at the age of 50. Hundreds of friends and admirers attended his funeral. Chito was heartbroken, but he continues to share this story to raise awareness about just how special and misunderstood crocodiles can be.
