75 Animal Photos So Iconic They Went Viral All Over The World

Who needs supermodels, influencers, or famous people when we have our friends in the animal kingdom providing the best content without even trying? Sadly, many don't get nearly enough credit for the joy and entertainment they bring to us. Some are even out there saving human lives while risking their own.

Here’s a perfect example… In times of war, we often hear about the heroic acts of the brave men and women sent out to battle. But did you know that a pigeon once helped rescue around 550 members of the U.S. Army’s 77th Division? His name was Cher Ami, and his story is as follows...

It was October of 1918, and World War I was raging. The so-called Lost Battalion found themselves trapped behind German lines during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Unaware of the 77th Division’s predicament, other members of the American military started shelling the location.

Enter Cher Ami, an unlikely (and often unsung) hero and homing pigeon belonging to the U.S. Army...

"With German forces drawing closer and casualties mounting, the division’s commander, Maj. Charles Whittlesey deployed his homing pigeons, only to see them downed, one by one, by enemy fire," reports Britannica. "Cher Ami was reportedly the division’s last pigeon. The major wrote a final desperate message, which he affixed to one of Cher Ami’s legs, and launched the bird into the sky."

Sadly, Cher Ami flew straight into heavy German fire and was struck in the chest. But even this didn't stop him.

Despite a barrage of German bullets and battling his severe injury, the brave pigeon reportedly took to the sky again and is said to have flown 25 miles in about 30 minutes to deliver a note to U.S. forces. According to the Smithsonian Museum, it read, “We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it.” That message ultimately led to the rescue of the trapped battalion.

The hero pigeon suffered serious injuries during his mission and had to have his leg amputated. Cher Ami passed away in 1919. "Although Cher Ami received numerous honors, later research has questioned the veracity of his alleged heroic exploits," reveals Britannica.

Nevertheless, Cher Ami's stuffed body is on display at the National Museum of American History. And in 2019, the bird posthumously received the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery for his actions in World War I.

Staying with military matters and in particular, a stray dog who saved the day. His name is Stubby and he crept into the hearts of members of the 102nd Infantry, 26th “Yankee” Division, who were training in the United States. They became such fast friends that when the soldiers shipped out, they smuggled their beloved dog aboard.

Stubby soon found himself on the front lines, where he went from fur-friend to invaluable asset to the team...

According to Britannica, Stubby developed the ability to detect poisonous gases, including mustard gas, and he would quickly alert soldiers of a gas attack.

"He also was skilled at locating wounded soldiers, and he played a key role in the capture of a German spy," reveals the site. In case you're wondering, Stubby was a Boston Terrier mix. His sharp nose and hard work paid off when he became the first dog to be promoted to the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army, and the most decorated war dog of World War I.