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.
Canine Companions: Dogs as Heartwarming Friends with Unparalleled Love and Compassion
Meet Kylo, the rescue dog who’s overflowing with gratitude for his second chance at life. Saved from a shelter, Kylo’s heartwarming desire is to snuggle and embrace his human mom the moment she steps into their home.
Meghan Sweers, Kylo’s new owner, shares their heartwarming story. “As soon as I sit down to remove my shoes, he eagerly climbs into my lap, seeking comfort,” Meghan says. “If I delay our cuddle time, he follows me around, wearing the most soulful, pleading expression until I finally give in and hold him.”
But life wasn’t always this perfect for Kylo. When he was just 10 months old, he found himself surrendered to a shelter. After a period in a foster home with no one showing interest in the goofy dog, fate smiled upon Kylo when Sweers and her husband came into his life.
Kylo’s first night in their home couldn’t have been better. “He nestled into my lap, tucking his head under my chin, and serenaded us with his gentle snores,” Sweers reminisces. “From that moment, my husband and I knew he was meant to stay with us.”
Now, Kylo, the dog with a penchant for hugging, is forever grateful for the loving forever home he’s found. He radiates love and warmth to everyone he encounters. As Meghan puts it, “He has an endearing way of winning people over, quite insistently, by settling into their laps and dozing off peacefully.” Kylo’s unwavering affection is a testament to the transformative power of love and second chances.
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