A group of crocodiles surprisingly showed what appears to be empathy and saved a dog that was chased into a river by other feral dogs by gently pushing it to the riverbank, instead of praying into it
A group of crocodiles have been captured rescuing a stray dog that had been chased into a river by other feral dogs, in what experts say may show a display of cross-species empathy.
The incident was observed and reported in a scientific study examining the emotional capacity, behaviour and cognition of reptiles. Researchers in India observed stray dogs mingling among sunbathing crocodiles in the Savitri River in India, and reported the results in their study published in the ‘Journal of Threatened Taxa’.
Surprisingly, according to the scientists, the crocodiles displayed no signs of hostility toward these dogs, indicating a form of mutual habituation. Yet, there were instances when the crocodiles did prey on the dogs, highlighting the unpredictability of these interactions.
Eventually, a young dog, seemingly chased by a pack of feral dogs, sought refuge in the river. At that moment, three adult crocodiles were spotted floating nearby, and their attention was drawn to the distressed dog. Initially, it appeared to be a classic predatory instinct, but something unexpected unfolded.