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.
She Broke Down In Tears After Being Helped After Days On The Street – The Emotional Story
A small puppy has broken its hind leg. She was struck by an automobile. She lay poor, afraid, crying and tormented by pain… How long has she been in this place? Nobody discovered or assisted.
Flies and maggots started attacking the wound, she cried a lot. The puppy’s condition is critical. The puppy is still extremely young, and he has his entire life ahead of him.
“It will be painful for us to forget these pained looks, the painful screams of a puppy in agony…”
She is named Molly. She was at the Veterinary Clinic. Molly was diagnosed with leptospirosis and bubonic plague. Molly received a blood transfusion from the vets.
“Molly’s surgery is still underway. While she was very weak and comatose. Molly, come on up.”
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“Believe in Molly. She is sure to cope and will surprise us all with her quads. I have complete faith in this petite yet powerful young lady.”
Molly felt well, ate and went to bed.
Molly deserves nothing but the best. The boy has been through a lot in his five months of life.
I wish she has a happy family…. Please see the video link in the video description to see who can offer her a wonderful life.
Please ‘Share’ her story with your family and friends!
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