Buzz
Animals are steadfast companions, but in many cultures worldwide, they also serve as a food source. Additionally, they entertain us, from iconic films like Babe and The Lion King to a cat pursuing a laser pointer dot as if it were the only sustenance left on Earth.
Through the ages, humanity has gained immensely from the contributions of our furry, slimy, and feathered companions, who have been integral to various human industries (such as agriculture before the advent of tractors). At times, we even entrust them with human roles, which they carry out with remarkable skill.
Here are ten animals well-known for taking on human roles.
10. Pelorus Jack – The Seafaring Guide
Navigating the perilous waters around New Zealand's French Pass, a narrow channel beginning at Pelorus Sound, was a challenging task due to the strong currents running at 8 knots. In 1888, the crew of the schooner Brindle, on their way toward French Pass, spotted a white Risso’s dolphin following the steamer's wake. This dolphin, named Pelorus Jack, stayed with the boats for the next 24 hours, guiding them safely from Pelorus Sound through the treacherous waters of the French Pass.
On the return trip, Pelorus Jack would once again appear alongside departing ships, accompanying them as they navigated the waters, riding the waves at the front of the vessels. Over the years, Jack gained fame for guiding ships through the dangerous waters, leading them to safety and away from potential shipwrecks. He became so reliable that ships would delay their journeys until Jack made an appearance, ensuring safe passage through the pass.
9. Magic–The Therapist
Magic, the kind-hearted miniature therapy horse, may not hold a psychology degree, speak human language, or understand syntax, but she is far from an ordinary horse. Recognized as one of Time’s most heroic pets, Magic has earned a reputation as a therapy animal, providing comfort and healing to patients in hospitals, hospice care, schools, and special programs.
Part of the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, a volunteer organization based in Florida, Magic and her team of miniature horses touch the lives of over 25,000 people, offering solace during some of their toughest times. Magic even provided emotional support after the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, helping hundreds of people cope with the aftermath in an incredibly difficult task.
8. Cheesecake–The Foster Parent
Who else would be the perfect guardian for orphaned puppies but the largest rodent species on Earth? Cheesecake is a capybara residing at the Rocky Ridge Refuge in Arkansas, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing abandoned and injured animals.
When Cheesecake first arrived at the sanctuary as a baby, she was housed indoors with the dogs, spending her days playing and napping with them. It wasn’t long before Janice Wolf, the founder of the refuge, was not surprised to see Cheesecake stepping up to care for and nurture the orphaned puppies that arrived at their doorstep.
7. Menswear Dog–The Model
Bhodi, the Shiba Inu known as Menswear Dog, has earned the title of the world’s most fashionable dog. His rise to fame began in 2013 when his owners posted photos of him modeling menswear, which quickly went viral. Bhodi became an internet sensation for his flawless style and photogenic charm.
Despite enjoying the high life in New York, as one would expect from a celebrity model, Bhodi still resides with his owners—Yena Kim, a fashion designer, and David Fung, a graphic designer. It’s reported that Bhodi earns up to $15,000 a month, securing contracts with some of the most influential names in the fashion industry.
Bhodi has turned his dream life into reality for his two owners, who have transformed his fashion success into full-time careers. They’ve secured fashion endorsements and even created a dog-specific clothing line.
6. Louis–The Custodian
Louis, the parrot, lived an astonishing 115 years, the last 17 of which he spent overseeing a mansion and estate worth far more than most parrots could ever dream of. When Miss Victoria Wilson passed away in 1949, she left behind not only her estate but also her beloved parrot Louis, her dearest companion. She bequeathed her estate to Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Red Cross Society, with the stipulation that the funds would only be transferred upon Louis’s death.
Louis was entrusted to the care of Yue Wah Wong, and while Louis was the rightful guardian of the estate, the will was challenged by several parties who sought to claim what they believed was misallocated to a parrot. However, all attempts were either dismissed by the courts or abandoned after public backlash. Louis spent his remaining years enjoying brandy and the luxuries Miss Victoria had left behind.
5. Congo–The Artist
When viewing Congo's artworks, the renowned chimpanzee artist, you might be inclined to think, 'Even a monkey could do that.' And you'd be right. Congo the chimpanzee began painting when Desmond Morris, a zoologist and painter, started researching the creative behaviors of apes. During his study of Congo, the chimp produced over 400 paintings. What initially seemed like random splashes and strokes eventually developed into more sophisticated pieces that demonstrated logic and careful planning.
Congo's art was first put on sale in 1957, but in 2005, three of his paintings fetched $25,000 at auction. In recent years, however, his works have been sold for prices exceeding $250,000, with the value continuing to rise—although all of this occurred after his passing. The unfortunate reality of the artist’s fame.
4. Jack–The Railway Signalman
When James Wide saw a chacma baboon driving an oxcart in a South African market, he decided to buy him and make him his personal companion and assistant. Known as Jumper because of his habit of leaping between railway cars, James tragically lost both of his legs when he was run over by a moving train. The first lesson he taught Jack was how to push him in a trolley to get to work. Soon after, Jack began helping with tasks such as sweeping and taking out the trash.
But that was just the beginning. James entrusted Jack with operating the signals that guided train engineers to the right tracks, while also assisting with important tasks when new drivers arrived at the coal sheds. Eventually, Jack became proficient enough to handle the signal levers independently, no longer requiring any guidance from his owner to carry out his duties.
3. Felicia–The Particle Physicist
It may be a bit of a stretch to call Felicia, the ferret, a physicist, but her contribution to the field of particle physics is undeniably significant and worthy of recognition.
When scientists at the National Accelerator Lab in Illinois began working with the world’s largest machine, their $250 million project hit a few bumps along the way. After many failed attempts and countless hours spent troubleshooting, they discovered that metal fragments left behind from the construction of the tubes were causing the magnets to malfunction.
Felicia, a $35 ferret, was trained to dart through pipes in exchange for treats. Soon, she was navigating the 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) long tubing, clearing out any residue that could interfere with the project. To prevent any new problems, they outfitted her with a diaper, as ferret droppings would only cause additional complications.
2. G.I. Pigeon–The Messenger
Among the many heroic animals of war, one of the most renowned is G.I. Joe, the pigeon, who is credited with saving over a thousand lives in his most famous mission. When the 56th Brigade of the British Army was preparing to attack the Italian city of Colvi Vecchia at 10 am, the Americans were scheduled to bomb the same city at that exact time. As the Germans withdrew, the British captured the city earlier than planned, placing them in danger of U.S. air raids.
Efforts to prevent the bombing failed, so G.I. Joe was dispatched with the critical message in hopes of averting the strike. The pigeon covered a distance of 20 miles (32 kilometers) in just 20 minutes and arrived just in time to prevent the planes from taking off. For his bravery, G.I. Joe was awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry, becoming the only animal in the United States to receive this prestigious honor.
1. Nils Olav–Major General of the Norwegian King’s Guard
Knighted in 2008, elevated to Brigadier in 2016, and promoted to Major General in 2023, Sir Nils Olav exemplifies dignity and nobility. However, Sir Olav is not a human being, but a king penguin.
When the Norwegian King’s Guard visited the zoo, Major Nils Egelien found himself captivated by the penguins, especially how their march seemed to mirror that of the Norwegian King’s Guard. Not long after, they made a king penguin their official military mascot.
The full title of Sir Nils is Major General Sir Nils Olav, Baron of the Bouvet Islands. Holding the third-highest rank in the Norwegian army, Sir Nils now outranks Major Nils Egelien, the soldier he was named after in 1972. May he live on for many more years.
