Case file · Folklore / legend
The crocodile keeper of Yamoussoukro
On 20 August 2012, Dicko Toké, who had fed the sacred crocodiles in the lake by the presidential palace in Yamoussoukro for decades, slipped and was dragged under by one of them.
2012 CE · 6.81, -5.26 · status: official
The account
The crocodiles were linked to President Félix Houphouët-Boigny and to the Baoulé idea that they protect the chief's lineage; residents saw them as guardians of the city. The governor promised new safety measures.