Animals That Changed History: 10 Unforgettable Moments
History isn’t all generals and politicians. Sometimes it’s a stray mutt or a pigeon with a mission that rewrites the script. These animals earned their spot in the history books by simply doing what they were born to do, with remarkable results.
Laika, The Space Dog
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In 1957, a stray from Moscow named Laika became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2. Sadly, the mission had no return plan, and Laika died hours after launch. The Soviet Union used the mission to study spaceflight’s effects on biology. She’s now honored with a statue in Moscow.
Elsa, The Lioness
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Raised by George and Joy Adamson after her mother was killed, Elsa learned to hunt and survive in the wild despite being raised in captivity. Joy wrote “Born Free” about the experience in 1960. The book and the 1966 movie helped bring wildlife conservation to mainstream attention and shaped public opinion.
Buddy, The First Guide Dog In The US
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Morris Frank, a blind man, introduced America to guide dogs when Buddy, a German Shepherd trained in Switzerland, led him across chaotic Manhattan streets in 1928. Their partnership sparked national interest and led to the founding of The Seeing Eye, the first American school for guide dogs for the blind.
Cher Ami, The War Pigeon
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During World War I, U.S. Army Signal Corps pigeon Cher Ami saved around 194 men of the Lost Battalion in 1918. Despite being shot through the chest and blinded in one eye, she flew 25 miles in 25 minutes to deliver a life-saving message. She received France’s Croix de Guerre.
Dolly, The Cloned Sheep
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Born in 1996, Dolly the sheep was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell using a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer. Her creation proved that specialized cells could revert to a pluripotent state. The breakthrough opened the door to cloning livestock and stem cell research for human medicine.
Balto, The Sled Hero
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Balto led the final leg of a 674-mile relay through brutal Alaskan weather to deliver diphtheria serum to Nome in 1925. The run, known as the “Great Race of Mercy,” saved hundreds. Balto’s 54-mile stretch through -40°F snowstorms made him a national hero. His statue still stands in Central Park.
Togo, The Unsung Sled Champion
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Togo led his team across 260 miles of the 1925 serum run, covering the most dangerous and longest stretch, nearly five times Balto’s leg. He braved gale-force winds and breaking ice. While Balto received more fame, Togo’s endurance and leadership were essential. Many mushers still consider him the true hero of Nome.
Smoky, The WWII Dog
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Found in an abandoned foxhole in New Guinea during WWII, Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, accompanied soldiers through combat. She ran communication wires through narrow pipes under airstrips and entertained troops with tricks. Her service earned recognition decades later, including memorials in Australia, the U.S., and the Philippines.
Wojtek, The Bear Soldier
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After being adopted by Polish soldiers during WWII, Wojtek helped transport heavy ammunition during the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was officially enlisted and given a rank and serial number. After the war, Wojtek lived at the Edinburgh Zoo until 1963.
Ham, The First Chimp In Space
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Ham, a chimpanzee trained by NASA, flew aboard a Mercury capsule in 1961. His mission proved humans could survive and work in space. During the 16-minute flight, Ham pulled levers and responded to lights. He ultimately survived and lived for decades.
Nemo, The Vietnam War Dog
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During the Vietnam War in 1966, Nemo, a German Shepherd with the U.S. Air Force, protected his handler during a surprise attack. Even after being shot and losing an eye, the canine lunged at enemy soldiers, which gave his injured handler time to call for help. Nemo retired as a war hero and lived out his life under care.
Simon, The Ship Cat
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Simon, a scrappy cat found in Hong Kong, became a cherished crew member aboard the British HMS Amethyst in 1948. During a brutal attack on the Yangtze River, he was wounded but kept killing rats that threatened the ship’s food supply. Simon also boosted crew morale and received the Dickin Medal for bravery.
Roselle, The 9/11 Guide Dog
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On September 11, 2001, Roselle, a Labrador Retriever, guided her blind owner, Michael Hingson, down 78 floors of the North Tower at the World Trade Center. As debris fell and chaos erupted, she remained calm, helping others along the way. Roselle later received the American Hero Dog Award and inspired a book titled “Thunder Dog.”
Able And Baker, The Survivor Monkeys
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In 1959, monkeys Able and Baker became the first living beings to return safely to Earth after space travel. Launched aboard a Jupiter rocket by the U.S. Army, the pair reached 300 miles above Earth and withstood 38 Gs of force. Their safe return proved that living organisms could survive space conditions and re-entry.
Stubby, The Canine Sergeant
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Stubby started out as a stray on a U.S. Army base in 1917 but became the most decorated war dog of World War I. He warned soldiers of gas attacks, located wounded men in no-man’s land, and even caught a German spy. Stubby was promoted to sergeant and later became a national icon.