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.
Art for dogs? Mexico museum welcomes pets to new exhibition
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Artists have always been inspired by the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Now, one Mexican museum wants to bring the art world to dogs themselves.
Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo has put together a modern art exhibition for the enjoyment of humans and their furry friends.
Lorenza Errasti, curatorial assistant for the museum’s collection, said the exhibition is a selection of works from the museum’s collection and was intended for the enjoyment of owners and their dogs alike.
“The readings of the exhibition are based on emotions,” according to Errasti. “And the affectionate relationship that exists between an owner and their dog is always there, and even more so now that we open this space for that.”
The exhibition, #ArteyPerros (“Art and Dogs”) includes pieces by Haris Epaminonda, Max Ernst, Mathias Goeritz, Pierre Huyghe, Danh Vo and Mario Garcia Torres as well as a poem by Luis Felipe Fabre. It is the exhibition’s second instalment, with the first held in 2020.
The response to the initiative so far has been positive, as many people enjoyed the chance to appreciate the artwork along with their furry friends.
“I like to take my dog everywhere,” said Mila Cohen, a sixth-grade student, near a Max Ernst painting.
“It would be incredible if there were more spaces like this, with art, where we could spend time with our dogs,” noted Manu Echeverria, a photographer.
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