Unbelievable Stories Of Animal Heroes From Around The World

1. Roselle (Dog)

Image Source: This Is Love Podcast

In 2001, a guide dog named Roselle led her blind owner down almost eighty flights of stairs during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. After navigating through endless smoke and debris, Roselle and her owner made it to safety on the ground.

2. Moko (Dolphin)

Image Source: The Times

In New Zealand, a dolphin named Moko rescued two stranded whales by guiding them back to the ocean. From an outside perspective, it seemed like Moko was able to communicate with the whales and lead them back to water safely. Since humans were not able to do the same, this was a miraculous feat!

3. Binti Jua (Gorilla)

Image Source: Reddit

At the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, a gorilla named Binti Jua protected a child who fell into her enclosure in 1996, cradling his body until help arrived. Since Binti Jua had a 17-month old baby at the time, many believed her maternal instincts led her to help the young boy.

4. Kham La (Elephant)

Image Source: CNN

In Thailand, a baby elephant named Kham Lha saved her trainer from drowning in a river by pushing him to shore with her trunk and placing one of her legs around him. After Kham La was rescued, she formed a strong and inseparable bond with her trainer.

5. Endal (Dog)

Image Source: BBC

When Allen Parton, a Navy Veteran, was injured in the Gulf War, he couldn’t remember his family or feel emotion. His service dog, Endal, helped him to feel again, form new relationships with his family, and even intervened when Allen was hit by a car.

6. Target (Dog)

Image Source: NPR

In Afghanistan, a stray dog named Target (and two other dogs!) saved a group of American soldiers from a suicide bomber. One of the dogs unfortunately died in the blast, but Target (and his buddy, Rufus) were flown to the United States and featured on Oprah.

7. Tara (Cat)

Image Source: NPR

In 2016, a cat named Tara defended four-year-old Jeremy from an aggressive dog in California, fearlessly chasing him away after he attacked the boy’s leg. Tara was the family cat, but she was particularly attached to Jeremy. Afterwards, Jeremy started calling Tara his hero.

8. Max (Dog)

Image Source: The Guardian

Max, a springer spaniel in the UK, became an online star after his owner, Kerry Irving, started posting videos of their daily walks. Kerry credits Max to saving his life after a traumatic car crash led him with chronic pain and debilitating depression.

9. Lulu (Pig)

Image Source: Reddit

A pig named Lulu saved the life of her owner, JoAnn, by seeking out help when she experienced a heart attack. JoAnn called out for assistance, but nobody could hear her…so Lulu laid in the middle of the road until somebody stopped and got out of the car to see if she was okay. JoAnn was the able to call out for help, and she was brought to the hospital just in time.

10. Kabang (Dog)

Image Source: Patch

In the Philippines, a street dog named Kabang saved two girls from being hit by a speeding motorcycle. Unfortunately, her snout was ripped away in the motorcycle’s front wheel. But Kabang got lucky and survived the encounter! She lived a long, happy life after several months of recovery after the surgery that closed her snout wound.

11. Simon (Cat)

Image Source: The Vintage News

A black-and-white stray cat named Simon served aboard the HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War and protected the crew from rat infestations, earning the PDSA Dickin Medal. This award was given to Simon for his loyalty, bravery, and fearless service.

12. Ricochet (Dog)

Image Source: FOX 5 San Diego 

In the United States, a young service dog named Ricochet helped a disabled person regain his independence. However, she also had a hidden talent that was soon discovered: surfing! After that, she became a “SURFice Dog”, tandem surfing with quadriplegic surfers and forming deep connections with them.

13. Buddy (Dog)

Image Source: BARK Post

In Michigan, a German Shepherd named Buddy led police to his family’s home, allowing them to escape a house fire before it was too late. On the police dash cam footage, you can see Buddy looking back over and over again to make sure the police car was still following him.

14. Klepetan (Bird)

Image Source: Croatia Week

In Croatia, a stork named Klepetan migrated 13,000 kilometers every year from South Africa to reunite with his mate, Malena, who was unable to fly due to a gunshot wound. The pair had 66 chicks over the course of their lives. In 2021, Malena died of old age.

15. Hero (Dog)

Image Source: WATE

In Georgia, a stray pit bull made the news after rescuing a woman from being violently stabbed. Hero almost died during emergency surgery afterwards, but fortunately survived. In 2016, he found his forever home with Sara and David Simpson in Tennessee.

16. Cairo (Dog)

Image Source: Golden Carers 

A military working dog named Cairo played an essential role in the U.S. Navy SEALs mission to capture Osama bin Laden in 2011. Cairo was six-years-old at the time and about to retire. However, his mission to capture Osama Bin Laden changed that. Afterwards, Cairo’s dog handler, Will Chesney, adopted him.

17. Haus (Dog)

Image Source: TODAY

In the United States, a two-year-old German Shepherd named Haus protected a young girl from a rattlesnake bite, getting bitten himself three times in the process. More than a thousand compassionate people came together to raise money for Haus’s vet bills.

18. Oscar (Cat)

Image Source: Crossroads Hospice

In Rhode Island, a therapy cat named Oscar accurately predicted the impending death of nursing home residents, providing comfort to their families. Dr. David Dosa, a Brown University health researcher, actually wrote a book about Oscar called “Making Rounds With Oscar”.

19. Leo (Dog)

Image Source: CNN

A dog named Leo in Italy saved his owner's life as they were driving through dangerous weather. Right before a cliff toppled into the road, Leo jumped into his owner’s lap and prevented him from driving any further. And to think, this little dog was almost euthanized in a kennel before he was adopted!

20. Bamse (Dog)

Image Source: Cheezburger

In Scotland, a Saint Bernard named Bamse served aboard a Norwegian ship during World War II, protecting the crew and even saving a young girl from drowning. Bamse was listed as an official crew member and was buried with full military honors after he died in 1944. In 2006, a life-size statue of Bamse was built in Montrose.

21. Macaque Monkey

Image Source: People

In India, a maternal monkey took a stray puppy under her wing. Afterwards, she started acting as the dog’s full-time mom and carrying the pup under her arm to protect it. The unlikely pair are often seen in the streets, with the monkey doting on the dog and protecting it from harm. How cute is that?!

22. Scarlett (Cat)

Image Source: Medium

In New York City, a cat named Scarlett saved her kittens from a burning building, suffering severe burns in the process. Talk about a beautiful display of motherly love! It took three months of rehabilitation, but fortunately, Scarlett and her kittens recovered and went on to be adopted. Sadly, one of her kittens succumbed to a virus while receiving treatment.

23. Tama (Cat)

Image Source: CNN

In Japan, a cat named Tama became the honorary stationmaster of a train station and helped increase ridership, boosting the local economy. Tama’s friendly and adorable nature made her a hit with commuters, and she boosted the overall spirits of everybody in the train station.

24. Frida (Dog)

Image Source: Reuters 

A Golden Labrador named Frida aided in search and rescue efforts after the 2017 earthquake in Mexico, locating numerous survivors in the rubble. Frida also worked as a rescue dog, uncovering survivors that otherwise may have been missed, after many natural disasters in Haiti and Ecuador.

25. Bobbie (Dog)

Image Source: Statesman Journal

In the United States, a stray dog named Bobbie traveled 2,551 miles to return to his owners after they accidentally left him behind on a vacation. That’s quite a feat! His family was visiting Indiana but had to return to Oregon after Bobbie went missing. Miraculously, Bobbie made his way home six months later.

26. Warrior (Horse)

Image Source: Diocese-of-Portsmouth

In England, a horse named Warrior served during World War I and survived multiple injuries, becoming a symbol of bravery and resilience. He made it through machine gun attacks, being buried under debris, becoming trapped in a burning stable, and getting stuck in treacherous mud! For his efforts, he received the Dickin Medal.

27. Sergeant Stubby (Dog)

Image Source: Wikipedia

In 1917, a stray dog wandered into a war camp in New Haven. Private J. Robert Conroy found the puppy and named him “Stubby”. Almost immediately, the dog became the 102nd Infantry’s beloved mascot. Stubby boosted morale and was even able to give early warnings about gas attacks and other dangerous incoming attacks.

28. Pisco (Llama)

Image Source: Thrillist 

13-year-old Pisco brings joy and laughter to his terminally-ill patients at the Hospice of St. John in Colorado. Each month, he visits them and offers love, comfort, and companionship. This showcases the incredible ability of animals to lift spirits and provide comfort to those who are suffering.

29. Tang (Dog)

Image Source: MyPetZilla

In 1919, a Newfoundland named Blackie rescued a sinking ship by grabbing its rope and pulling it to shore. A snowstorm was raging in Canada, and the ship almost went under! Tang ended up saving the lives of all 92 passengers on board. Afterwards, Blackie did not calm down until he spotted his master and ensured he was safe.

30. African Rats

Image Source: The New York Times 

Rodents are extremely bright, which is why they’re used for all sorts of things! Some, in particular, are specially trained to detect landmines and other dangerous items buried underground. Since rats and small and nimble, they can access hard-to-reach places and cover lots of ground in a short amount of time.