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.
A little puppy in despair calls out in agony among the wreckage, pleading for help.
On a routine animal rescue mission, our team stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene: a tiny puppy buried in rubble, wailing in distress. Our hearts ached for this innocent soul, and we knew we had to act quickly to save him. As we pushed away the rocks, we found another puppy, also crying out for help. The ongoing construction and careless actions of society had placed these fragile lives in danger.
Our team felt the immense weight of responsibility as we frantically dug through the rubble, searching for the other puppy. Each passing moment was crucial, as the puppies’ lives hung in the balance. The team worked tirelessly, determined to save these innocent creatures from their dangerous predicament.
When we finally found the second puppy, our hearts broke at the sight of his weak and fragile state. We gently lifted them out of the rubble, praying that they would survive their ordeal. The emotional rescue mission was a testament to the importance of never giving up on the vulnerable beings who share our world.
The rescue of the two puppies is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion in our society. The careless actions of human beings can have devastating consequences for the innocent animals who live among us. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of these creatures and to protect them from harm.
Once the puppies were safely rescued, our team began the process of nursing them back to health. Under our care, the puppies received medical attention, proper nutrition, and the love and comfort they so desperately needed. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but each day brought signs of hope and progress.
As the puppies grew stronger, our team turned their attention to finding them loving, forever homes. The two puppies, now named Hope and Courage, were eventually adopted by kind-hearted families who promised to provide them with the love and care they deserved. The emotional rescue mission was a life-changing experience for all involved, and Hope and Courage’s story serves as an inspiration for us all.
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