There are many true stories about the amazing friendship between humans and animals. Sometimes very dangerous predators become devoted friends of people.

The history of the Costa Rican Gilberto will long be remembered as one of the most incredible examples of such a devoted friendship.

It began in 1980 when a man was returning home after fishing and suddenly noticed a crocodile in the river. It was clear that something was wrong with the animal.

Carefully walking closer to the water, Gilberto saw that the beast was wounded, someone’s bullet was stuck in his eye and the animal was almost exhausted.

Chito, as relatives called the man, was incredibly happy about such an unexpected and valuable find. He decided to take the wounded crocodile home, and after his death, make good money on the skin of the beast.

It did not take much effort for him to tow the huge reptile home along the river, where, with the help of several neighbors, the animal was transferred to the barn.

But the foundling turned out to be a tough nut to crack and clung to his life. Chito went into the barn several times every day and found the crocodile very weak, but alive.

A few days later, the man’s heart trembled with pity and he brought a chicken to the wounded animal.

From this it all began, Gilberto fed the crocodile every day and he gradually grew stronger. He decided to name his unusual friend Pocho, which means “handsome, strong guy.”

When the local authorities learned about the dangerous animal in Chito’s barn, which is prohibited by law, he had to hide the crocodile in secluded places along the river.

The villagers did not understand him and considered him abnormal, and even his wife left him, not sharing his love for the dangerous beast. But Gilberto had already become so attached to the crocodile that he could not leave him until he was fully recovered.

So almost three years passed and, finally, making sure that his new friend was healthy and full of strength, Chito released the animal into the river, feeling sad after parting.

But what was his surprise when the next morning the crocodile, as if nothing had happened, lay on Chito’s veranda! And they never parted again, a strong friendship linked the crocodile and man for twenty years, and history no longer knows such a unique case.

In 2011, Pocho died of old age at the age of 55. Chito had a hard time losing his loyal friend, realizing that such a friendship happens extremely rarely, but he is grateful to the fate of his amazing friend, who was able to understand, appreciate and thank him for his help and kind heart.