Crocodiles aren't exactly cute and fluffy but, as you'll see in this incredible video, maybe they just need a chance to win you over. This is the story of Chito and Pocho, and the unexpected rewards of an act of kindness.

Nearly 20 years ago, a five-metre-long crocodile lay severely injured on the bank of the Parasmina River in Costa Rica after being shot by a farmer. Lucky for that crocodile, a kind local named Chito couldn't bear to let him die. Chito rescued Pocho, as he called the croc, and nursed him back to health.

"I just wanted him to feel that someone loved him, that not all humans are bad", Chito told The Tico Times. "I love all animals, especially ones that have suffered."

When Pocho the crocodile had regained his strength, Chito took him back along the river to release him. But Pocho didn't want to be left behind, and followed Chito home! With permission from the Minister for Environment and the help of a vet, Chito looked after Pocho for nearly two decades.

As their bond strengthened over the years, Chito and Pocho grew to trust each other so completely that they spent hours each day swimming and playing together. Remarkably, Pocho the crocodile was gentle and patient with his human companion and would even respond to his name when called. Thousands of tourists, scientists and animal behaviour experts came to see Chito and Pocho having fun.

NEXT PHOTO » "He's my friend, I don't want to treat him like a slave or exploit him," Chito said of Pocho. "I am happy because I rescued him and he is happy with me because he has everything he needs." (Photo: Jefrey Arguedas/EFE) Pocho would respond to Chito calling his name. Chito also taught Pocho the crocodile several tricks like rolling over, holding up his tail, and closing one eye. (Photo: Jefrey Arguedas/EFE) Pocho the crocodile weighed a staggering 480kg and was 5 metres long. Yet after years together, Chito trusted the crocodile enough that they would swim together. When playing with Chito, Pocho the crocodile was gentle and patient. (Photo: Jefrey Arguedas/EFE) In order to dive deeper, crocodiles sometimes deliberately swallow stones. Crocodiles also hate the cold because as reptiles they need warmth for energy, but if they get too hot, they'll often pant like a dog. (Photo: Barry Bland/Barcroft Media) Crocodilians are the most vocal of all reptiles: they make juvenile distress calls, threatening adult hisses, and courtship bellows. A mother crocodile is also known to carry her young in a pouch inside her mouth for protection. (Photo: Jefrey Arguedas/EFE)

After many years of friendship, Pocho the crocodile died of natural causes last year at the age of 50. Hundreds of people attended his funeral. Chito was naturally devastated by Pocho's death, but continues to share his friend's story to raise awareness about just how special crocodiles are.

Animals like Pocho the crocodile need your help!

The story of Chito and Pocho shows that even crocodiles can appreciate an act of kindness. But you don't have to befriend a crocodile to make a difference to countless other animals who deserve our compassion, too. Discover how you can help create a kinder world for animals with simple everyday choices.