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.
“Heartbreaking: Mother Dog with Broken Leg Clings to Her Puppies, Desperately Longing for Compassion and Relief”
“Frida’s Journey of Redemption: From Tragedy to Triumph for a Devoted Mother and Her Nine Puppies”
Frida, a devoted mama dog, embarked on a perilous journey in search of food, only to meet with a tragic car accident. The impact left her front leg broken, causing excruciating pain.
However, Frida’s plight was magnified by the fact that she was not alone—she was caring for nine delicate puppies, merely ten days old, who were battling their own battle against weakness and malnourishment, plagued by anemia.
Faced with such dire circumstances, Frida’s owner attempted to alleviate her suffering by using plants to splint her broken leg. But his efforts proved insufficient, leaving Frida in prolonged agony.
Adding to her misery, a thick rope was tightly bound around her neck, a cruel tether used by her owner to confine her, all while concealing his cruel actions from the watchful eyes of the villagers. Perhaps it was shame that drove him to hide his disgraceful treatment of the faithful creature.
However, as fate would have it, a glimmer of hope emerged for Frida and her nine precious puppies. A group of compassionate rescuers arrived on the scene, extending a helping h and and a caring heart.
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With utmost urgency, they whisked Frida and her offspring away to a veterinary clinic, where their remarkable journey of healing and transformation would begin.
Day after day, under the devoted care of the veterinary team, Frida and her puppies experienced a remarkable turnaround. Their once feeble bodies grew stronger, and their health steadily improved.
The veterinary professionals kept a watchful eye on them, ensuring they received the necessary medical attention and nurturing support.
Gradually, Frida’s broken leg mended, her pain subsiding with each passing day. Liberated from the tight grip of the restraining rope, she regained her freedom and the ability to explore the world around her once more.
As for the puppies, their once listless bodies brimmed with newfound energy and boundless happiness.
Together, Frida and her nine puppies embarked on a journey of redemption and new beginnings. Their hearts, once burdened by hardship and suffering, now overflowed with love and hope.
The resilience displayed by Frida and her offspring was a testament to the indomitable spirit of animals and the transformative power of compassion.
Now, as Frida and her puppies embrace their brighter future, their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the capacity for redemption.
Their tale stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to stand against cruelty and to extend a helping hand to those in need. Through the darkest of times, love and compassion have the power to heal and restore, allowing even the most broken souls to find solace and joy once again.
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