Sharing this wonderful planet with animals has many advantages, which unfortunately are often misused. One thing is for sure, without each other we could not function. They help us, are our best friends, and make this world a better place.
Many animals made history with their existence. Some by accident, some for fun and entertainment, and many for scientific reasons, making their stories unforgettable.
Let’s remember and honor those animals that left their mark on this world.
1. Laika
More than just a cute pup. A dog that made history by not only being the first animal in space, but also one of the first living beings leaving this planet.
Laika shared the destiny of many other stray dogs who were also taken into this program. When the launch was announced, this 13-pound-heavy pup had no idea what it awaits.
Even though prepared through many tests and experiments, the sad fate of this dog could have been foreseen. Contributing to the world of science, Laika passed away hours into the flight.
This dogs’ sad story remains one of the most heart-breaking ones even 67 years later. Laika will forever remain in our hearts as the space dog.
2. Bo and Sunny
When a father makes a promise to his daughters, that promise has to be fulfilled.
Just like any other father, so did the former US president Barack Obama. His daughters’ wish came true when Bo joined their family in 2009. Since Bo needed a companion, in 2013 Sunny joined too.
These adorable pups quickly became loved nationwide, not only for guarding the white house, but also for their fluffy and irresistible looks.
Although a rare breed, the Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their intelligence and friendly nature. What adds to their popularity are their non-shedding qualities. No wonder Obama could not resist.
3. Grumpy Cat
I just know that you sent at least one meme including this cat. This internet celebrity, also known as the Grumpy Cat, was a real hit.
It all started in 2012 when a photo of the unforgettable facial expression emerged online, and there was no going back. It didn’t take long for everyone to start sending pictures back and forth, adding the funniest quotes and relating to this cat.
The Grumpy Cat became so famous that it traveled the world and made television appearances. But wait, there’s more! This cat even got its very own wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood.
The funniest part is that its real name was Tardar Sauce. But that just doesn’t have the same impact as Grumpy Cat.
4. Dolly
It all started in 1996 in Scotland when Dolly the sheep became one of the first cloned mammals to be created from an adult cell. Yes, it means the exact copy of another sheep.
Not being born the ordinary way sure means not to live a usual life. But this sheep lived as any other sheep would – having no serious consequences for being a clone.
Even though these experiments were contradictory, this sheep helped scientists learn more about genetics and cloning.
You don’t believe this part, but this sheep was actually named after the famous singer Dolly Parton. Pretty cool, right?
5. Lassie
One of the most famous animal movie roles has to be Lassie.
America truly enjoyed the adventures of Lassie. Why else would the show run for 17 seasons?
What became more and more recognised, was the rough Collie breed. The beautiful long coat and the pointy nose made this breed one of a kind.
Not only on screen, but this doggo is a real life star. Many enjoy being owners of such loyal, loving and caring dogs.
6. Ham The Chimp
The date January 31, 1961 will forever be known as the date when the first chimpanzee went to space.
Like many others of its kind, this chimp was prepared and trained for 18 months for this experiment. The ride of its life lasted for about 16 minutes.
Its capsule reached a height of 157 miles due to traveling at the speed of 5800 mph, and then came back to water. It was recovered after a couple of hours and Ham was found alive and relatively calm.
Making this chimpanzee one of the most famous animals ever, his space journey stopped there. Ham was transferred to a Zoo, where it enjoyed the rest of its life, living to the age of 26.
7. Hachiko
Be prepared to shed some tears, because this story touches everyone’s hearts.
Their loyalty is one of the many things which make dogs humans best friends. But this dog’s loyalty made his story unforgettable.
Hachikos’ life was simple, as Ueno, a professor at the Tokyo Imperial University, took him to be his companion. Their bond grew strong, and Hachiko would spend every day at the station, waiting for his owner to come home from work.
As any other day, while Hackiko was waiting, Ueno passed away unexpectedly, never returning home. Hachiko kept returning to the station every day to await his owner’s return for nearly 10 years until his departure.
This dogs’ story became a symbol of loyalty in Japan. A bronze statue of Hachiko was made at the Shibuya Station in 1934, and it remains there to this very day.
This story is the true example of the strong bond one can create with a dog.
8. Cecil
Lions’ pride is what makes it fearless, but this story isn’t famous for heroism.
Cecil lived in Hwage National Park in Matabeleland North Zimbabwe, where his life ended at the age of 13 years old. An American dentist, known for his love for hunting, wounded Cecil with an arrow, then took his life with a bow the following morning.
This lions’ story quickly caught worldwide attention, with animal rights activists voicing their anger.
And after all, this lion’s story does make it a true hero, because its sacrifice made the way easier for the others that came after him.