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.
Against All Odds: The Heartwarming Tale of a Tiny Roadside Survivor’s Courage and Triumph.
When we received an urgent call about Ollie, our hearts sank at the thought of a scared puppy fending for himself on the streets. Determined to make a difference, we rushed to find him and provide the comfort and safety he deserved.
Our search for Ollie led us through alleys and hidden corners, checking under tables, behind dumpsters, and in every nook and cranny until we spotted him.
Huddled beneath a table, Ollie was visibly frightened and alone. It appeared that his owner had heartlessly abandoned him to face the harsh realities of life on the streets. Our hearts went out to him, and we were determined to offer our help.
Speaking to Ollie with gentle reassurance, he began to trust us, though the fear still lingered in his eyes. Carefully, we lifted him up and transported him to our car, ensuring he was warm and comfortable on the way to the shelter.
At the shelter, Ollie received a thorough checkup, nutritious meals, and a cozy bed. With time, his physical and emotional wounds began to heal, and a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes.
As Ollie regained his strength, we guided him through the process of socializing with other animals and people. He learned to trust again, proving that he could not only receive love but also reciprocate it.
With Ollie’s remarkable improvement, we set out to find him a forever home with a family who would cherish and care for him. After a thorough search, we found the perfect match. The adopting family embraced Ollie with open arms and love, assuring us that he would have a lifetime of happiness in their care.
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