Indonesian Man Forms Bond With Crocodile in East Kalimantan

“When I leave the village, I've to tell my neighbors to feed Rizka while I'm gone. I had to get neighbors to look after Rizka after my wife told me once that the croc came around when I was away,” says Ambo.

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“This was how we got Rizka fed regularly when I had to go away for work [in the provincial capital Samarinda]. Local fishermen passing by also give her some of their catch.”

Caring full-time for Rizka

Ambo decided to return after two years to devote his time for Rizka. He reminds locals wishing to feed the croc to treat her right so noone gets hurt. Since then, they come around daily to feed her.

Practising what he preaches has done Ambo wonders as Rizka has never attacked or bitten him.

“I love Rizka very much as I have cared for her since she was small,” he says. “Sure the fear is there. But my ancestors believed that one can bond with crocodiles and other animals as if we have familial relations with them.” 

(Writer: Zakarias Demon Daton/Editor: Dheri Agriesta)

Source: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2020/06/14/20523811/kisah-pak-ambo-puluhan-tahun-pelihara-seekor-buaya-dianggap-anak-dan-diberi?page=all#page2.