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Aldecino Oliveira fishes at Lagoa do Pinicão, in Rio Branco, accompanied by the little dog Amora and the alligator Tião, in an unusual coexistence that began about five years ago
In Rio Branco, the capital of Acre, a curious scene draws attention: a psychologist, university professor, and part-time fisherman approaches the edge of a lagoon, calls an alligator by name, and sees the animal come out of the water towards him.
The man is Aldecino Oliveira. The alligator is Tião. At first glance, the encounter seems dangerous. However, the story revealed shows a coexistence built gradually, marked by routine, recognition, and many precautions.
It all started about five years ago when Aldecino began fishing on medical advice after facing a stress crisis. Born in a rubber plantation region in the Amazon rainforest, he grew up accustomed to seeing wild animals as a threat. Even so, urban life led him back to nature.
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Relationship between psychologist and alligator began during fishing in Rio Branco
The approach happened unexpectedly. During fishing trips, a small alligator began to observe Aldecino from afar. Gradually, the animal came closer, attracted by the fish.
On one of these occasions, the alligator grabbed a fish caught on the hook and ended up injuring its mouth. Aldecino, with the help of a friend, held the still small animal and carefully removed the hook.
After this episode, the presence of the alligator became increasingly frequent. Aldecino started calling it Tião and, since then, began setting aside fish to offer to the animal.
Lagoa do Pinicão became a meeting point between Aldecino, Amora, and Tião
The routine happens about three times a week. Aldecino leaves home with a fishing rod, a bag with fish or chicken giblets, and the little dog Amora.
After a short walk, he arrives at Lagoa do Pinicão, calls Tião by name, and makes a sound with his mouth. According to the account, the alligator recognizes the psychologist’s voice and usually appears within minutes.
On some occasions, Tião climbs the concrete barrier and stays beside Aldecino. The psychologist even pets the animal, although he acknowledges the risk involved.
Jacaré-tinga lives in fresh water and can reach 2.5 meters
Tião was identified as a jacaré-tinga, a species found in freshwater environments in the Amazon region. This type of animal can reach up to 2.5 meters in length.
In Tião’s case, he is still young and measures about 1.5 meters. Even so, his size already requires attention. A sudden movement can provoke a defensive reaction.
According to biologists specializing in alligator behavior, these animals are intelligent and can recognize people. However, the relationship should not be interpreted as human friendship.
Specialist warns that bond with alligator occurs through conditioning
According to the specialist, Tião approaches because he associates Aldecino with something positive, mainly food. Therefore, the behavior is linked to conditioning.
Even so, the biologist reinforces an important warning: it is not recommended to approach wild animals. Even when they seem calm, they are still guided by natural instincts.
Aldecino’s wife also shows fear of the situation. She follows the story with distance and concern, especially when her husband gets too close to the alligator.
Former sewage settling area was recovered by the community
Lagoa do Pinicão also has an interesting history. The name arose because, in the past, the area was used as a sewage settling area.
According to the account, the place was cleaned more than ten years ago. After that, residents began to reactivate the lagoon, bringing in fish and restoring life to the environment.
With the water restored, animals began to circulate in the region again. Among them, alligators appeared, including Tião.
Living with Tião changed how Aldecino sees his own fears
For Aldecino, the experience goes beyond curiosity. He states that he learned a lesson from Tião about trust, barriers, and coexistence.
The psychologist says that the animal, even having a defense instinct, needed to “disarm itself” to allow the approach. From this, he began to reflect on human relationships.
The story, therefore, should not be seen as an incentive for contact with wild animals. On the contrary, it shows a rare, specific, and risky coexistence, built over years between a man, a crocodile, and a restored lagoon in Rio Branco.
