Crocodile farmer's work turns him into online celebrity

Frightening, appalling, mysterious - these are just some of the words that might come to mind when you think of crocodiles. But for one young man in China, they're part of his everyday job.

Zhang Fuhua and some of the crocodiles on his farm. [Photo: VCG]

Twenty-eight-year-old Zhang Fuhua lives in Heze County in Shandong Province. He's been running a crocodile farm there for five years now. "It was also a terrifying job for me, and it would be a lie if I told you that I wasn't afraid," said Zhang. "As time went by, I gradually learned the crocodiles' habits and overcame my fear."

Zhang Fuhua cleans a small crocodile. [Photo: VCG]

During wintertime, Zhang has to move the crocodiles between different enclosures to help them avoid the cold. Although farmed crocodiles are not as vicious as the wild variety, they can still muster lightning-speed attacks. And with the largest crocodile on his farm reaching over six meters in length, a moment's inattention could be deadly.

Inside Zhang Fuhua's crocodile farm. [Photo: VCG]

Zhang himself is getting a lot of attention, having gained around 400,000 followers on a live-streaming platform. His fans tune in to see what daily life is like in such an unusual profession – and an unusually dangerous one.

The development of the local crocodile farming industry has also given a boost to the local economy in Zhang's village. And a growing number of people are seeking out Zhang's advice on how to start their own crocodile farms.