This is a great story about a monstrous creature and a human being. You might not believe it, but even a creature as terrifying as a monster can have a kind heart. Deep within that monstrous chest, there can exist an act of kindness and loyalty. This is the true story of such a creature — the so-called King of Water, the crocodile — and a man named Chito.
Chito, a local man from Costa Rica, once found a 5-foot-long injured crocodile. The crocodile had been attacked and beaten by a farmer and was in terrible pain, unable to survive on its own. Feeling compassion for the animal, Chito decided to rescue the crocodile. He took it home, treated its injuries with care, and named it Pocho.
After several days of treatment, Pocho the crocodile began to gain strength. As time passed, he fully recovered from his wounds. Chito, believing the animal was now strong enough to survive on its own, decided to release Pocho back into the wild — specifically, into the Parismina River, where he had originally found him.
But something unexpected happened.
When Chito released Pocho into the river, the crocodile refused to leave. During the treatment and recovery period, a deep bond had formed between the two. It was a bond built on compassion, care, and trust. In his most difficult time, when no one else was there for him, Chito stood by the crocodile — and Pocho knew it. As a result, Pocho did not want to leave Chito. He began following him home, choosing to stay with the man who saved his life.
Realizing that Pocho had become more than just a wild animal — that he had become a true companion — Chito sought special permission from the environmental authorities to keep caring for him. The authorities granted permission, and from then on, Chito and Pocho lived together in harmony.
The friendship between Chito and Pocho was unique and inspiring. They would swim together, play together, and spend hours in each other’s company. Their bond became so strong that Chito could even enter the water with Pocho and lie on his back, something unimaginable with a wild crocodile.
This remarkable friendship lasted for over 20 years. Unfortunately, due to natural causes, Pocho the crocodile passed away at the age of 50.
Between 2010 and 2012, the story of Chito and Pocho gained worldwide attention. Tourists, scientists, animal lovers, and locals traveled from far away to witness this incredible bond. People were amazed to see how a man and a dangerous predator could be such close friends. Their friendship was widely shared on social media and in news stories across the world.
Their friendship officially ended in 2015 with Pocho’s death, but their story continues to live on in the hearts of many. It is a powerful reminder that even the most feared creatures can possess love, loyalty, and kindness — if only someone shows kindness to them first.
Pocho and Chito’s story teaches us that friendship knows no boundaries — not of species, not of language, not of fear. All it takes is compassion, patience, and belief. And when an animal — even a monster-like crocodile — believes in your kindness, it can respond with loyalty that is nothing short of miraculous.
