Stories and facts

The Paga pond is home to West African crocodiles and has gained popularity among tourists due to the friendly nature of these reptiles. The survival and well-being of the crocodile population now depend on tourism, as it ensures they are properly fed and healthy.

Situated 44 kilometers (27 miles) outside the regional capital of Bolgatanga, the pond is inhabited by wild West African crocodiles, some of which are up to 90 years old. The astonishing aspect is that these crocodiles are so docile that local children can swim alongside them in the pond without any harm. Paga has been a trade center for centuries and is located near the Burkina Faso border. During the era of slave trading in the mid-1800s, Paga served as a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea for Westerners coming from the north.

Although the Paga crocodiles are generally friendly, there have been instances where they have mistaken humans for animals. However, no casualties have been recorded in such accidents throughout history. Besides the main crocodile pond in the heart of Paga, there are numerous others located in the suburbs.

Migration is a common occurrence among the crocodile population in Paga. Many crocodiles have migrated from neighboring communities and move between ponds during the vegetation growth period from July to August. This period offers cover that helps them avoid being detected by humans. Just like the wild crocodiles, mother crocodiles carry their newly hatched offspring in their mouths from sand banks to the water, providing protection until the young ones can hunt for themselves.

The Paga crocodiles face various threats to their existence. Firstly, climate change poses a significant challenge as many water bodies dry up during the dry season, forcing the crocodiles to travel between water sources throughout the year. Secondly, urbanization and infrastructure development around the dams have reduced the private spaces available to the crocodiles. Encroachment on their surroundings limits their breeding opportunities. Lastly, hunger poses a serious menace as their food sources dwindle. The crocodiles traditionally hunt for food in the wild, but climate change-induced droughts have reduced their food diversity. The crocodiles in the Paga Ponds now compete with humans for the remaining fish in the water. In the main pond, they primarily rely on chicken provided by tourists. However, crocodiles in the countryside do not receive the same treatment and are left to fend for themselves.

According to local legends, the origins of the pond are tied to the belief that a crocodile brought a dying man to the water to drink. The man survived and declared the pond sacred, proclaiming that no harm should come to the crocodiles. This legend dates back approximately 600 years and the crocodiles are considered to be totems for the local people. Another story tells of a man who bargained with a crocodile to protect him from a lion in exchange for a promise that none of his children would harm the crocodile. It is believed that the souls of the people of Paga reside in these crocodiles. Killing crocodiles or consuming their meat is strictly prohibited in Paga.

Paga has become a popular tourist destination due to the friendly nature of its crocodiles. Visitors can interact with the crocodiles by sitting near them, touching them, and taking photographs. The crocodiles freely roam the pond and are called to the shore by guides when they whistle loudly. Tourists can then hold the crocodile's tails and take pictures while the guides feed them chicken. However, there are concerns that the pond's reliance on tourism has increased