Thalassophobia

Thalassophobia is the fear of deep water and water-dwelling creatures.

If you watch National Geographic or any wildlife program on TV, you’ll agree that a hungry crocodile is brutal. I’ve personally watched them display their savagery during feeding time at different zoos. Since then, I’ve made up my mind to keep my distance. In short, I’m terrified of them!

I seldom swim in the river. When I do, I prefer to sit and watch or wade in knee-deep water. Every little ripple caused by fish or crabs in streams or rivers makes me wary. Growing up, I saw the tide carry a huge snake from the thickly forested upriver area down to where children played and mothers washed. I can still remember the commotion that ensued that peaceful noon.

Luckily, not all lakes, streams, or ponds harbor harmful animals like leeches, water scorpions, gators, or crocs. Well, I’m going to show you a Nigerian village where men live side by side with crocs they consider deities!

Agulu Crocodile Lake

Crocodile attacks are common in rural parts of Africa. These reptiles usually grab their victim and then spin around to subdue and drown them. This is known as the death roll. Despite this vicious history, a community in southeast Nigeria lives with crocodiles in harmony.

Agulu is a humble village in Anambra, Nigeria. Unlike other water-dwelling communities, the residents do not engage in extensive fishing. The crocodile-infested lake gave the village its name and reputation; therefore, the villagers do not harm its pythons, crocodiles, and turtles. Some people idolize the crocodiles as sacred.

The crocodiles in the lake are regarded as protectors of the indigenous people during inter-tribal wars. Visitors, however, must be cautious and have the resident chief priest present during any visit. Each February, the chief priest hosts a festival for the crocs. While talking to them, he feeds them with live chickens. It’s taboo to kill a crocodile, turtle, or python resident in Agulu lake. If this happens, the killers face the crocodile’s wrath.

This unusual man-crocodile relationship has turned the village into a popular tourist attraction.