May 1, 2025
These creatures have not just survived, instead, they have carried messages in wars and helped conduct experiments in space that helped chase goals. Here are 10 animals that left a mark on history.
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Laika, a stray dog from Moscow, became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Though she didn’t survive, Laika's mission gave the way for human spaceflight and made her an icon of the space race.
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During World War I, this carrier pigeon delivered a vital message that saved nearly 200 US soldiers from friendly fire. Wounded but successful, Cher Ami became a symbol of animal bravery and earned a medal for service.
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It was born in 1996, and was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. Her birth marked a breakthrough in genetic science. This also helped to bring about progress in cloning, genetics, and bioethics that are still discussed today.
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Adopted by Polish troops in WWII, Wojtek the bear helped carry artillery and boosted morale. He was even officially enlisted and promoted. After the war, he lived out his days in a Scottish zoo.
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In 1925, Balto led a dog team through brutal conditions to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska. The “Great Race of Mercy” saved countless lives and inspired the Iditarod race. A statue of Balto still stands in New York’s Central Park.
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Ham, a chimpanzee, became the first hominid in space in 1961. His successful mission helped NASA ensure human astronauts could survive space conditions, making him an important figure in the early days of space exploration.
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This undersised racehorse defied the odds during the Great Depression, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope. His victories inspired a struggling nation and turned him into a national hero.
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Born in South Korea in 2005, Snuppy was the world’s first successfully cloned dog. His birth raised hopes about cloning pets and added a new layer to bioengineering discussions.
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Harriet, a Galápagos tortoise, was believed to have been collected by Charles Darwin in the 1830s. She lived over 170 years and helped connect modern science with Darwin’s legendary voyage and evolutionary theory.
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During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Paul the Octopus gained worldwide fame by accurately “predicting” match outcomes. Though not scientifically outstanding, his quirky fame showed how animals can become global pop culture icons.
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