Wild animals to all, but dear friends to these African communities [Photos]

A boy leans on the back of a crocodile on May 19, 2018, at a pond in Bazoule in Burkina Faso. AFP PHOTO / OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT

Crocodile

Usually considered one of the most dangerous animals, crocodiles are considered friends by the people in the village of  Bazoule, Burkina Faso.

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This friendship can be traced back to the 15th century when the village was suffering from drought. According to local folktales,  crocodiles guided the women into a secret where the community could quench their thirst.

In a show of gratitude, the villagers organised a party to feed and thank the reptiles. Even today, a feast called Koom Lakre is still being held.

The villagers believe that the crocodiles are scared and provide a link to the ancestors.

“Crocodiles are represented as the soul of our ancestors and if one of them dies, they are buried and even given a funeral as if they were human,” Bazoule resident, Pierre Kabore, told the AFP.