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.
Frightened Puppies Seek Refuge Under a Rock to Escape Human Presence
Once in a serene rural enclave, a small community of puppies came into the world, born to a mother dog who had sought refuge in a hidden grove. The tranquility of this environment should have been an ideal setting for a family of dogs, yet their lives were far from picturesque. Their mother, a determined leader among humans, had instilled in her offspring an intense fear of the outside world, a realm teeming with peril.
Their existence was a testament to the primal forces of fear and survival in the animal kingdom. To find solace and security, they had learned to depend on one another. Occasionally, these puppies, bearing echoes of their mother’s tenacity, would venture beyond the boundaries she had set, spurred by their innate curiosity.
It was under the shelter of a massive stone that these puppies would huddle together, away from the perceived threats of the outside world. Protected from harsh elements and potential predators, they would cautiously peek out from their secure den to observe the world beyond. Safely ensconced, they would watch the world go by, their tiny hearts racing at the sight of a distant human figure.
Their presence illustrated the potent influence of fear and survival instincts in the animal kingdom. They knew that to thrive, they had to remain concealed from the outside world, their small hearts quivering with trepidation. The stone, perhaps a relic from a bygone era, became their sanctuary, shielding them from the unseen dangers lurking beyond.
Over time, the transformation of these puppies was nothing short of extraordinary. Their initial dread of humans, born of past experiences and deeply rooted fears, gradually began to dissolve. Their encounters, filled with love and kindness, altered their perspective, and happiness began to supplant their previous apprehension.
The tale of these puppies served as a potent testament to the resilience of fear and survival instincts in animals. Their initial fear of humans was a defense mechanism, forged through past experiences and a deeply ingrained instinct to shield themselves from danger.
However, the unwavering patience and compassionate efforts of individuals determined to alter the course of these puppies’ lives began to yield fruit. Slowly but surely, the puppies began to conquer their fear and apprehension, forging trust and companionship between humans and their animal counterparts.
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