5 Animals That Have Saved People in Survival Situations
Throughout history, animals have amazed us with their ability to form deep bonds with humans. These relationships go beyond companionship; animals have often played critical roles in saving people’s lives, especially in dire and survival situations. From loyal dogs to unexpected acts of heroism by wild animals, these stories highlight the extraordinary instincts and compassion animals are capable of. Here are five remarkable instances where animals became heroes.
1. The Polar Bear That Helped Bruce Gordon Survive
Bruce Gordon was a crew member on a whaling ship that was planning a voyage to Greenlandic waters. Upon reaching the area, the ship’s captain, who was a known drunk, managed to crash the ship in between two large icebergs. The ship was smashed open and dragged along with the huge chunks of ice, but Gordon was thrown off the ice during the initial impact and landed on an ice sheet. The ship was carried along for several miles and the next morning, Gordon found it again only to find a group of hungry polar bears eating the crew.
He waited until they left and snuck onto the ship to look for supplies. This was when another polar bear came in and Gordon managed to kill it with his knife. After the fight, a small cub came in, and feeling sorry for it, Gordon looked after it. They formed a strong bond and over the following years, Nancy the polar bear caught fish for Gordon and defended their shelter against other polar bears.
2. The Russian Dog That Saved a Little Girl
(The statue built to honor the dog that saved her)
In 2014, a 3-year-old girl wandered off from her village in Siberia in search of her father. She started to walk in a random direction hoping to find him but quickly became lost, though luckily her dog saw her leave. He followed her and stayed by her side over the next 11 days, keeping her warm and scaring off other animals. She was eventually found by a search party, even though no one noticed she was missing for over a day after she walked off.
3. Dolphins Saving a Family from Sharks
Dolphins have long been known for their intelligence and playful nature, but they are also capable of extraordinary acts of heroism. In one incredible instance, a family swimming off the coast of New Zealand found themselves surrounded by a group of great white sharks. Panic set in as the sharks circled closer, but suddenly, a pod of dolphins appeared.
The dolphins formed a protective ring around the family, keeping the sharks at bay. For over 40 minutes, the dolphins maintained their vigil until the family was safely out of the water. Marine biologists speculate that dolphins have a natural instinct to protect others, even humans, from predators. This story is a powerful reminder of the intelligence and altruism exhibited by these marine mammals.
4. A Gorilla Rescues a Boy at the Zoo
Sometimes, animals in captivity show remarkable understanding and compassion. One famous example occurred in 1996 at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. A young boy fell into the gorilla enclosure, and onlookers watched in horror as he lay unconscious on the ground. Everyone feared the worst, but a female gorilla named Binti Jua surprised the world.
Binti Jua approached the boy gently, cradling him in her arms as if he were her own infant. She carried him to the enclosure’s entrance, away from the other gorillas, and waited for zookeepers to retrieve him. The boy survived, and Binti Jua’s maternal instincts made headlines worldwide, showcasing the empathetic nature of primates.
5. The Cat That Warned a Family of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Cats may not have the reputation for loyalty that dogs do, but they are equally capable of heroic acts. One story involves a cat named Schnautzie, who lived with her owners in Montana. Late one night, Schnautzie began pawing at her owner’s face and making unusual noises. The persistent behavior woke the owner, who realized something was wrong.
It turned out that the house was filling with carbon monoxide due to a malfunctioning furnace. Schnautzie’s timely warning allowed the family to escape unharmed, and they later credited her with saving their lives. This story demonstrates how animals, even without training, can sense danger and act to protect their human companions.
Why Do Animals Help Humans?
While many of these stories can be attributed to domesticated animals’ loyalty and bonds with humans, some acts of heroism from wild animals remain puzzling. Scientists have explored several theories to explain why animals might help people in survival situations:
Instinct and Empathy: Animals, particularly mammals, often exhibit behaviors that suggest empathy. Dolphins, gorillas, and even cats and dogs may perceive humans as vulnerable and extend their protective instincts to us.
Reciprocity: Domesticated animals often help their human companions because of the care and protection they receive. In return, they develop a strong sense of loyalty.
Social Intelligence: Highly intelligent animals, such as dolphins and primates, understand complex social interactions and may recognize humans as beings worth protecting.
Honorable Mentions
The Elephant That Saved a Girl During a Tsunami: In 2004, during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, a young girl in Thailand was saved by an elephant named Ning Nong. Sensing the incoming danger, Ning Nong carried the girl to higher ground, saving her life.
The Parrot That Called for Help: A parrot in Denver, Colorado, named Willie, saved a toddler from choking. When the child began choking on food, Willie screamed, “Mama, baby!” until the babysitter rushed in and performed the Heimlich maneuver.
The Lioness That Protected an Abducted Girl: In Ethiopia, a group of men abducted a 12-year-old girl. Remarkably, a lioness chased the men away and stayed with the girl until authorities arrived. Experts believe the girl’s cries resembled those of a lion cub, prompting the lioness to protect her.
These incredible stories highlight the powerful bond between humans and animals. Whether through loyalty, empathy, or instinct, animals have proven time and again that they can be our protectors and saviors in life-threatening situations. While some acts of heroism can be explained scientifically, others remain awe-inspiring mysteries that remind us of the deep connections we share with the animal kingdom. These tales of survival not only inspire gratitude but also encourage us to treat all creatures with respect and care, knowing that they might one day return the favor.
