Chito and Pocho


Chito, a fisherman from Costa Rica, was in his boat in the Parismina River when he found a crocodile that had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was nearing death. Though the large predator was 17 feet long (5.2 meters) and still could have posed a threat if he became frightened, Chito and other fisherman pulled him into the boat and ensured that he received medical attention. The crocodile was malnourished at the time, and there’s no information about how long he had been injured before getting rescued.
Over the next six months, Chito provided food and rehabilitation for the crocodile, who he had named Pocho. Though Chito was initially very cautious not to get too close to Pocho, it didn't take long for Pocho to begin following him around like a puppy. After very carefully becoming more comfortable with one another, the two forged a very close and unique friendship. For the next 20 years, they became local celebrities and would perform shows that highlighted how docile Pocho was with Chito.
Unfortunately, Pocho passed away in October of 2011. Though American crocodiles can live up to 70 years, Pocho was nearly 60 when he died of natural causes. Chito held a funeral for him that was attended by many locals. Since he had taken in other crocodiles during the years, many began to wonder if Chito would begin looking for “the next Pocho.” The distraught fisherman broke into tears when speaking about his friend, saying "Pocho is Pocho, the only one. There is no more Pocho. He will be the only Pocho there ever was.” 
After the funeral, Pocho’s body was preserved and put on display at a local museum. Chito continues to advocate for crocodiles.

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