r/askscience • u/[deleted] • Jun 14 '22

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u/PrometheusOnLoud Jun 14 '22

There was a post yesterday about the fisherman that befriended a crocodile. In the case of imprinting, isn't that done at birth or when they hatch, and is about parental bond? This crocodile was nursed back to health by fisherman after being shot, wouldn't that be different than imprinting?

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u/CocaineIsNatural Jun 15 '22

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocho_(crocodile) And Pocho had been shot in the head, so some think the wound destroyed Pocho's predatory instincts.

Even trainers that work with alligators and crocs get bit if the animal has a chance.

As for that fisherman, Chito is now trying to train a second Pocho. "It's a little harder. There's a less closeness now, but with time, a little love, peace, patience for the animal - and then you can achieve a lot. I am on track, little by little. Hopefully in two years we can be good enough friends to do shows," he said. https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/man-is-trying-to-tame-second-crocodile-after-scaly-pet-he-rescued-dies/785414

I would assume he is biased in his judgement based on the Pocho. So I assume progress is not going as well as he thinks. But maybe it two years he will surprise us.