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 starving puppy abandoned at the construction site was thankfully looked after by my friend
There are stories in the broad tapestry of life’s exceptional experiences that encapsulate the essence of compassion, camaraderie, and the unbreakable relationship between humans and animals. The touching story of my dear friend’s rescue of a small puppy from the midst of a construction site exemplifies these principles.
The story begins in the frantic world of construction, which is filled with noise, dust, and machines. A tiny, defenceless puppy found herself alone in this chaotic environment, a small oasis of vulnerability amidst the concrete and steel. Her presence was almost symbolic, serving as a reminder of the great bond that exists between humans and animals. It was a pledge to protect, to nurture, to assure her safety in the face of adversity.
My companion reached out her hand, guided by an unmistakable sense of obligation, to save this frail life from the construction mayhem. She set off on an unusual quest, traversing the dangers of the construction zone in order to get to the bottom of the puppy’s plight. It was more than just a protective gesture; it was a profound act of compassion, a beacon of hope for this tiny soul despite the rigours of her environment.
The story of my friend’s puppy rescue serves as a reminder that commissions have no boundaries. It emphasises the significance of extending a helping hand and providing protection regardless of the circumstances. It motivates us to be alert and mindful of those in need, no matter how unexpected or difficult the circumstance may be.
The genuine substance of my friend’s gesture of generosity is her commitment to this puppy’s well-being. It crosses boundaries and highlights the importance of extending a helping hand and rising above the circumstances. It is a monument to the power of empathy and compassion, reminding us all that kindness can grow even in the most unlikely places.
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