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.
The moment the heroic rescue team valiantly battled against the clock to liberate the unfortunate dog trapped in the underground bunker left everyone overwhelmed with emotions
In a heart-pounding rescue operation, a dedicated team of heroes faced a race against time to free Ziggy, a 10-year-old Patterdale terrier, from a perilous underground bunker. This harrowing ordeal left everyone on edge as they fought tirelessly to save a beloved pup trapped in a dire situation.
Ziggy had been enjoying a carefree day on his family’s farm, frolicking alongside his mom when an unexpected turn of events sent him spiraling into a dark abyss—an underground drain pipe. At first, his mom wasn’t overly concerned; after all, this wasn’t Ziggy’s first escapade into subterranean exploration. But as the minutes turned into hours, and Ziggy failed to reappear, panic set in.
Lauren Flintoft, Ziggy’s mom, shared her worry, saying, “I was worried he might have been stuck, and that’s why he didn’t appear. My husband Tim spent the whole night trying to entice him out, and when he didn’t emerge, I called in help.”
Desperate for aid, Flintoft reached out to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with hopes that they could assist in rescuing Ziggy from his precarious predicament. A team of dedicated rescuers promptly arrived at the scene, ready to tackle the daunting task of locating and liberating the trapped terrier.
The operation was not for the faint of heart. Rescuers had to meticulously map the complex underground pipes, meticulously plotting their course to reach Ziggy. With unwavering determination, they began to dig two enormous holes, strategically positioned to expose Ziggy’s location.
Finally, after hours of relentless effort, the group spotted a glimmer of hope—a glimpse of Ziggy’s furry form within the confined space. With great care and precision, they gently cleared away the debris that held Ziggy captive, allowing him to wiggle his way to freedom. Remarkably, Ziggy had endured an astonishing 19 hours trapped in the drain pipe.
Despite his extended ordeal, Ziggy emerged from his subterranean prison unharmed, albeit a bit shaken. He was swiftly reunited with his relieved family, basking in the warmth of their embrace. This heartwarming rescue reaffirmed the unwavering bond between humans and their faithful canine companions.
Faebian Vann, an animal collection officer with the RSPCA, joyfully shared, “He’s now back home with his owners where he belongs, and no doubt he’ll be getting up to no good again very soon.”
Ziggy’s triumphant return serves as a testament to the extraordinary efforts of a dedicated rescue team and the power of compassion in the face of adversity. His story reminds us of the enduring spirit of our four-legged friends and the lengths we’re willing to go to ensure their safety and well-being.
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