Scientists believe rare rescue is a sign that the fearsome reptiles may be capable of compassion
In an apparent example of interspecies compassion, a group of crocodiles appeared to usher a dog to safety after it fell into a dangerous river.
The dog, believed to be a stray, was being chased by a pack of other feral canines when it jumped into the River Savirtri in India out of harm’s way, or so it thought.
But the river was infested by local mugger crocodiles, and three of them were floating near the stray.
This should have been the end of the helpless pup, with the crocs being “well within the striking range,” according to a report published by scientists in the Journal of Threatening Taxa.
However, the crocodiles appeared to usher the dog back to safety on the shore.
“These crocodiles were actually touching the dog with their snouts and nudging it to move further for a safe ascent on the bank and eventually escape,” the researchers wrote.
“The muggers were well within the striking range and could have easily devoured the dog, yet none of them attacked and instead chose to nudge it towards the bank, implying that the hunger drive was absent.”
The researchers say that the crocodiles were “docile”. Adult male mugger crocs can reach 18 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, according to the Wildlife Institute of India.
The researchers said they believe that the pup rescue could be a sign of the crocs having emotional intelligence.
“The curious case of a dog ‘rescued’ by the group of crocodiles reported here seems more on lines of empathy than altruistic behaviour,” the scientists said.
Aside from the muggers’ apparent alliance with stray dogs, scientists discovered another wholesome obsession that the crocs appeared to have: marigold flowers.
Crocodiles are often seen floating or laying in marigolds, often keeping “physical contact” with the yellow flowers, which the researchers note have compounds that can protect skin from fungi and bacteria.
The Savitri River is polluted with sewage and other harmful ingredients, so this may be why they like to have contact with the petals.
Seeing the heart-wrenching scene of these unfortunate puppies remaining loyal by their deceased mother’s side at the abandoned railway could evoke emotions
In a vicinity near an abandoned railway, a group of unfortunate puppies resided, among them, a special one. This particular puppy, following the untimely demise of its mother, an elderly dog struck by a passing train on that very railway, steadfastly remained by her side.
Day after day, the devoted puppy returned to the railway, yearning for its mother’s return, unaware that she had passed away long ago. Each time it discovered a dry leaf, it would perch on it, tenderly licking its tears, as if beckoning its mother back.
This poignant routine persisted for several days until a young woman passing by the railway bore witness to this heart-rending spectacle. She was moved by a profound sense of empathy and decided to extend her help to the group of puppies.
Carrying a basket brimming with cookies and refreshments, she approached the puppies, including the special one. The unique puppy eagerly leaped onto the basket and indulged in the treats, yet it still returned to the railway, alighting upon the dry leaf, as if persistently in search of its mother.
The girl couldn’t hold back her tears as she watched this heartrending scene unfold. Overwhelmed with sympathy, she resolved to take the special puppy home, where she would provide it with the care and nurturing it deserved.
From that moment on, the special puppy found itself in a new home, with a new family, and we remain optimistic that it will discover joy and contentment in its fresh start. This story serves as a poignant reminder that love and compassion have the power to help us surmount the challenges and adversities in our lives.
Leave a Reply