Across the globe, countless stories illustrate the profound bond between humans and animals, and in some extraordinary cases, an animal’s quick thinking, loyalty, or protective instinct has directly led to saving a human life. These “animal heroes” come in all shapes and sizes, from domestic pets to wild creatures. Here are some remarkable examples:
Lions Save a Kidnapped Girl
In a truly astonishing case from Ethiopia, a 12-year-old girl who had been kidnapped was found a week later being guarded by three lions. The lions had reportedly chased off her kidnappers and stayed with her until police arrived. The lions’ actions were seen as a miracle, as they are not known for protecting humans. Some wildlife experts believe her crying may have sounded like the mewing of a lion cub, triggering their protective instincts.
A Pig Calls for Help
In Pennsylvania, a woman named Jo Ann Altsman suffered a heart attack while her husband was away. Her pot-bellied pig, LuLu, realized something was wrong. LuLu, a 150-pound pig, squeezed through a dog door, somehow opened the fence gate, and went into the middle of the road, where she lay down to stop traffic. A Good Samaritan finally stopped to check on her, and LuLu led him back to the house where he found Altsman and called for help. Doctors later said she wouldn’t have survived another 15 minutes.
Dolphins Protect Swimmers from a Shark
In 2004, a group of swimmers off the coast of New Zealand, including a lifeguard named Rob Howes, were surrounded by a pod of dolphins. The dolphins started acting erratically, swimming in tight circles and slapping the water with their tails. Howes realized something was wrong and, as he tried to move, he saw a great white shark approaching. The dolphins maintained their protective circle around the swimmers for about 40 minutes, fending off the shark until it finally swam away.
A Sea Lion Saves a Man’s Life
When Kevin Hines was 19 years old, he attempted to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He survived the fall but was severely injured and struggling to stay afloat in the frigid water. He then felt something bumping him from below. A sea lion circled beneath him, keeping his head above water and nudging him toward the shore until a rescue team arrived. The sea lion’s intervention helped save Hines’s life, and he has since become a mental health advocate.
A Goose Rescues a Drowning Boy
In Illinois, a young boy fell into a lake and was struggling to stay above water. A goose swimming nearby noticed his distress and swam over, keeping the boy’s head above water while honking loudly to attract attention. The goose’s heroic act alerted others to the boy’s predicament and ultimately saved him from drowning.
A Golden Retriever Saves a Man from Hypothermia
On a freezing New Year’s Eve in Michigan, Bob was outside in his pajamas and slippers when he slipped and fell, breaking his neck. Trapped in the snow, he screamed for help, but his nearest neighbor was too far away to hear him. His golden retriever, Kelsey, came to his aid, lying on his chest to keep him warm and licking his hands and face to keep him awake and alert throughout the night until help arrived in the morning.
An Elephant Rescues a Handler
A baby elephant named Kham La, who was rescued by the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand, showed her gratitude when her handler, Darrick, went for a swim. Mistaking his calls for her as a sign of distress, Kham La rushed into the water and offered her trunk to him, sheltering him with her body as if to lead him to safety. This act of empathy highlights the deep bonds that can form between humans and animals.
