🐊 “Family pet or living dinosaur?” — this Japanese household has shared their home with a 2-meter-long caiman for over 40 years. He takes baths, goes for walks, and has even helped boost their family business. Curious to see how they actually live with him? Full story and photos in the article below 👇
Most people would run in the opposite direction if they saw a crocodile nearby—but not the Murabayashi family from Kure City, Hiroshima. For over four decades, they’ve shared their home with one.
It all started when Nobumitsu Murabayashi’s father gifted him a baby caiman after years of persistence. What began as an unusual pet quickly grew into a full-fledged family member. Named Kaimak-sak, the reptile was eventually granted an official permit to live inside their house.
Today, this not-so-little companion stretches more than two meters in length and tips the scales at 45 kilograms. Despite his size and species, Nobumitsu insists that Kaimak-sak is perfectly tame. The only incident on record is a minor attempt to nip his son—something the family chose to forgive. Since then, the caiman has shown nothing but patience and calm, even letting the children ride on his back like a pony.
Kaimak-sak spends most of his days roaming around the house or lounging in the family’s oversized bathtub. Occasionally, he takes leisurely strolls around town—on a leash, no less. When he does, he makes quite the scene, happily splashing in public fountains and drawing curious onlookers wherever he goes.
His local fame has actually turned out to be a big bonus. The buzz around the family and their scaly housemate caught the attention of local media, which turned into a surprise marketing win for Nobumitsu, who works as a real estate agent. Thanks to the unexpected publicity, his business has seen a noticeable boost—and now Kaimak-sak has become the quirky mascot of his brand.
Would you ever keep a crocodile as a pet? Let us know what you think in the comments!
