Costa Rica’s Most Famous Crocodile and Gilberto ‘Chito’ Shedden

Gilberto “Chito” Shedden and the crocodile Pocho became one of Costa Rica’s best-known wildlife stories. Their unusual relationship drew visitors to Siquirres and international attention. It is a remarkable historical account, not a model for interacting with wild crocodiles.

Chito and Pocho’s story is unique, but if you are moving to Costa Rica, crocodiles are a real part of life near rivers and estuaries. Here is what residents should keep in mind.

How Chito and Pocho’s story began

Chito rescued a crocodile injured by a gunshot to its left eye and cared for it near his home. The Tico Times’ later interview with Chito dates the rescue to 1989 and describes a relationship lasting more than twenty years. Earlier reporting gives a different duration. Retellings should acknowledge that disagreement rather than present every detail as settled.

Chito named the animal Pocho. As the crocodile recovered, their close contact developed into the encounters that made them famous: swimming together, physical contact and demonstrations for visitors.

The Sunday shows in Siquirres

Contemporary reporting describes weekly shows in an artificial lake at Finca Las Tilapias. Chito said Pocho responded to signals, and audiences watched interactions that would normally be extraordinarily dangerous. Reports described Pocho as roughly five metres long; size and age figures in these stories are reported estimates, not measurements verified for this article.

The 2011 account also says the environment ministry monitored Chito’s keeping of Pocho and that veterinary and biological expertise were involved. That historical arrangement should not be interpreted as permission for anyone else to capture or keep a crocodile.

When did Pocho die?

Pocho died in October 2011. The Tico Times article published on October 12 says he died the previous Tuesday; its October 11, 2015 retrospective marks the fourth anniversary. Those reports point to October 11, 2011, rather than confusing the publication date with the date of death.

The newspaper reported plans for a public funeral. Its 2015 interview described Pocho’s preserved body in a museum near Chito’s home. That is a historical report, not confirmation of current museum hours or visitor access.

Why the story still attracts attention

The documentary Touching the Dragon brought the relationship to another audience in 2013. La Nación’s reporting from a screening with Chito describes his emotional reaction to watching Pocho again.

Photographs and film document the close interactions. They cannot establish exactly what the crocodile experienced internally or prove that crocodiles can safely be treated as pets. Avoid confidently diagnosing Pocho’s behaviour as either human-like affection or a specific effect of his injury.

Crocodiles and caimans in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) and spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus). Both are wildlife to observe without approaching or handling. A smaller caiman should not be described as harmless.

Observe wildlife without repeating the show

Costa Rica Silvestre’s crocodile and caiman guidance explains that these reptiles use varied aquatic habitats and that feeding them can alter behaviour and create risks.

• Do not feed, approach, handle or attempt to capture a crocodile or caiman.
• Check local warnings and ranger advice before using waterways.
• Keep children and pets under close supervision near water.
• Keep away from the water’s edge where crocodiles occur; do not lean over boats or branches above the water.
• Dispose of fish waste away from places where people gather.

Pocho’s story is worth remembering. Responsible observation gives today’s visitors a way to appreciate crocodiles without trying to recreate it.

What this means if you are moving to Costa Rica

Pocho’s story is wonderful to read about, but it is not a model for daily life. If your new home is near water, a few habits matter.

• Check before renting near a river. Ask neighbours whether crocodiles are seen in the local river, estuary or mangroves. Homes near river mouths need extra care.
• Keep dogs out of the water. Pets that swim or play at the water’s edge can attract crocodiles. Keep them on a lead near rivers and estuaries.
• Fish and clean fish with care. Never throw fish scraps into the water near where people swim or gather.
• Respect warning signs. Signs about crocodiles are there for good reason. Choose swimming spots away from river mouths and follow local advice.

Living near wildlife is a real privilege here. A well-planned move, from choosing the right area to arranging the right residency, lets you enjoy it calmly.

Sources and dates

Reviewed September 6, 2026. Historical reporting is identified by date; current visitor access is not verified.

• The Tico Times: contemporary report, October 12, 2011
• The Tico Times: interview and retrospective, October 11, 2015
• La Nación: Chito at the documentary screening
• Costa Rica Silvestre: crocodiles, caimans and safe coexistence

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