The Unlikely Friendship: Chito and Pocho, the Costa Rican Crocodile

  

In 1989, in the heart of Costa Rica, a story began that would defy expectations and capture the hearts of people worldwide. It’s a tale of an extraordinary friendship between a man and a creature typically seen as a fearsome predator—a crocodile. This bond, formed between a fisherman named Gilberto “Chito” Shedden and a crocodile he named Pocho, would become one of the most remarkable examples of cross-species friendship ever recorded.

 A Chance Encounter

Gilberto “Chito” Shedden was a simple fisherman living near the Reventazón River in Costa Rica. One day, Chito encountered a crocodile in desperate need of help. The animal, later named Pocho, had been shot in the head by a local cattle farmer, and his chances of survival were slim. But Chito, a man with a deep love and respect for animals, couldn’t just walk away. He decided to take the wounded crocodile home, hoping to nurse it back to health.

For several months, Chito dedicated himself to Pocho's recovery. He fed the crocodile chicken, fish, and medicine, all the while caring for him as he would a member of his own family. Chito even slept beside Pocho, talking to him and offering comfort, believing that the crocodile needed love and attention just as much as it needed food and rest.

 An Unbreakable Bond

After months of care, Pocho finally regained his strength. Believing the crocodile was ready to return to the wild, Chito took him to a nearby river and released him. But the next day, Chito awoke to a surprising sight: Pocho had returned. The crocodile, instead of swimming away into the wild, had followed Chito home and was now sleeping on his porch. This was the beginning of an unusual and lifelong friendship.

Chito realized that Pocho had formed a deep bond with him, and rather than forcing the crocodile back into the wild, he decided to embrace this friendship. The two became inseparable. Chito began to spend more time with Pocho, swimming with him in the river, playing, and even training him. It was clear that Pocho had not only accepted Chito as a companion but had also grown to trust him completely.

 The Crocodile Whisperer

Over the years, Chito and Pocho’s relationship became famous. People from all over the world came to see the man who could swim with a crocodile, an animal often feared and misunderstood. Chito, who became known as "The Crocodile Whisperer," would often perform shows with Pocho, demonstrating their bond and highlighting the connection they shared.

During these performances, Chito would swim with Pocho, allowing the massive crocodile to follow his commands. The two would interact in ways that seemed impossible, with Pocho responding to Chito’s voice and touch. What made this bond even more incredible was the fact that it was built on mutual trust and respect, not on dominance or fear.

Chito always emphasized that their bond was special and not something to be replicated. He recognized the inherent danger of such a relationship but also believed that Pocho was different—that their connection was based on genuine affection.

 A Legacy of Friendship

For over 20 years, Chito and Pocho remained the best of friends, living side by side in Costa Rica. Their story became a symbol of the deep connections that can sometimes form between humans and animals, even those as seemingly dangerous as a crocodile.

Pocho passed away in 2011, leaving Chito heartbroken but with a legacy that would inspire countless people around the world. Chito honored his friend with a public funeral, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to the crocodile that had become a national treasure.

The story of Chito and Pocho is a testament to the power of kindness, love, and respect for all living beings. It reminds us that sometimes, the most unlikely friendships can teach us the greatest lessons about compassion and the bonds that can form across the boundaries of species.