“Dogs are man’s best friend” — we’ve all heard that saying. But in one remarkable village in Burkina Faso, humans have formed an unlikely bond with crocodiles. For over 600 years, the people of Bazoulé have lived side by side with more than a hundred crocodiles, feeding them, swimming with them, and even allowing children to ride on their backs. What seems dangerous elsewhere is everyday life here.
A Harmony Born from History
Since the 15th century, the people of Bazoulé have coexisted peacefully with these reptiles. The crocodiles are treated as sacred beings — fed with chickens, respected as spiritual guardians, and even given human-style burials when they die. During the annual Koom Lakre Festival, villagers offer prayers to the crocodiles for health, prosperity, and good harvests.
According to local legend, during the reign of a ruler named Koud Naba, a devastating drought struck the land. Women followed crocodile tracks to a hidden pond that saved the village from thirst. Out of gratitude, the people built their settlement around this pond — a bond of trust that continues today. 
The Gentle Crocodiles of West Africa
You might be wondering: how can crocodiles be so calm around humans? The answer lies in science. While Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are among Africa’s fiercest predators, genetic studies have revealed that Bazoulé’s crocodiles belong to a different species — the West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus).
These “desert crocodiles” are smaller, less aggressive, and naturally more docile. Ancient Egyptians once worshiped them, believing they symbolized divine power. The historian Herodotus even recorded their sacred status in temple rituals.
A Celebration of Coexistence
Every year, Bazoulé hosts the Koom Lakre Festival, a vibrant celebration of unity between people and crocodiles. Locals dance, sing, and make offerings beside the ponds, thanking their reptilian neighbors for their spiritual protection. Some elders believe the crocodiles carry the souls of their ancestors and interpret their calls as messages or omens.
Tourism, Culture, and Threats
Today, the “Sacred Crocodiles of Bazoulé” have become a symbol of harmony and a major tourist attraction. Visitors can feed these reptiles and even sit beside them for photos — under careful guidance, of course.
Tourism brings income to this rural community and raises awareness about wildlife conservation.
But this fragile harmony faces danger. Climate change is drying up water sources, shrinking the crocodiles’ habitat. Meanwhile, ongoing regional conflicts and insurgencies threaten the safety of both villagers and animals.
Will the Friendship Survive?
For centuries, Bazoulé has stood as proof that coexistence between humans and predators is possible when respect and faith guide the relationship. But with the environment changing and peace uncertain, one question remains:
Will this extraordinary bond endure — or fade into legend as one of Africa’s most astonishing stories?
