An Indonesian fisherman declares his bond with a 4-meter saltwater crocodile after 26 years of cohabitation.
Mr. Ambo, 59, is a fisherman from Bontang, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, who has gained media attention for his unusual friendship with a giant saltwater crocodile named Rizka.
Mr. Ambo next to the female crocodile named Rizka. (Photo: Fitriyani).
According to Ambo, for the past 26 years, since he first encountered Rizka in the waters of Pupuk Kaltim, the creature has always been a part of his life. At that time, Ambo was fishing when he noticed the crocodile swimming alongside his boat.
Initially, Ambo paid no attention to the animal and continued paddling home. However, upon arriving, he discovered that the strange crocodile had followed him the entire way.
He threw some food into the water and was surprised to see the crocodile completely “enjoying” the meal. “That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that has lasted 26 years,” Mr. Ambo shared.
“If I don’t see it for 2 or 3 days, I will drop everything to go find it,” Ambo added. “I consider it a member of my family.”
Saltwater crocodiles are fierce and can attack humans. (Photo: Fitriyani).
Over time, the two “friends” have grown truly close: Rizka often swims near Ambo’s boat and does not leave until he pets its back. The crocodile also comes to his home whenever it is hungry, and Ambo is happy to share his food with the creature.
“I usually feed Rizka three chickens. After being fed, it will swim away,” Ambo recounted. “When I leave the village, I have to ask my neighbors to feed Rizka while I’m away.”
Once, Ambo had to go away for work for about two years. During that time, the villagers took turns caring for the crocodile and feeding it. The crocodile even became a part of the community, with people regarding it as a guardian of the village.
Saltwater crocodiles are typically found in northern Australia, throughout Southeast Asia, and the island regions of the South Pacific. They are also found in South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
They are the largest species of crocodiles and the largest living reptiles on Earth. Adult saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 6 meters long and weigh as much as a ton. They are known to be extremely aggressive and can attack humans for food.
