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.

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.