Bolivia’s ‘Doctor Cockerel’ has waited outside a hospital for eight years
Martin, a cockerel who has remained outside the Eastern Bolivian Oncological Institute in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for eight years since his owner died, has become a local symbol of loyalty, earning comparisons with Japan’s famous dog Hachiko.
Local traders and hospital staff say Martin arrived with a woman who came for cancer treatment and never left after she died. Now affectionately known as the “Doctor Cockerel”, he wanders freely around the hospital and receives food and care from staff, who have even joined forces to prevent people from taking him away.
Martin’s presence has also brought comfort to the hospital community, with some visitors bringing their pets so patients can see them. Although no one can know for certain why he stayed, locals see his story as a reminder of unconditional love, and some hope a monument will one day honour the much-loved bird.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
