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.
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Dr. Bhavesh’s remarkable journey to establish RRSAINDIA finds its roots in his lifelong affection for animal welfare. His compassion for creatures, kindled from an early age, developed into a fervent commitment that led him to become a veterinarian.
The central focus of his career has been aiding homeless animals within his community. Recognizing the challenges these animals faced in terms of medical care, food, and shelter, Dr. Bhavesh remained steadfast in his mission to mend their physical wounds and provide them the care they deserved.
One pivotal encounter with a patient, Stuffy, unveiled the emotional dimension of animal suffering, profoundly impacting Dr. Bhavesh. Stuffy transcended being a mere patient, becoming a catalyst for a deeper, empathetic connection between him and the animals under his care.
This emotional awakening catalyzed the birth of RRSAINDIA. Dr. Bhavesh realized that holistic healing encompassed not only physical recovery but also addressing the emotional scars of these animals. The charity he founded aimed to merge physical well-being with emotional healing, promising comprehensive care for every creature in need.
RRSAINDIA swiftly became a beacon of hope for homeless animals, offering medical attention, nourishment, shelter, and most importantly, emotional succor. Dr. Bhavesh’s unwavering dedication drew others in the community to rally behind his cause, transforming countless lives in the process.
His journey encapsulates the power of empathy, dedication, and unwavering passion. The lessons learned from Stuffy ignited a revolution in Dr. Bhavesh’s approach, enriching his mission with emotional support alongside physical aid. RRSAINDIA’s inception stands as a testament to his boundless commitment to the welfare of homeless animals and a beacon of inspiration for others to follow suit.
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