In 1918, a homing pigeon saved over 190 American soldiers by delivering a message to nearby support despite having been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, covered in blood, and with a leg hanging on by just a tendon.
22
The CIA once spent $20 million on a cat equipped with gear to spy on the Soviets, but it was hit by a taxi.
328
Cats are one of the only animals to domesticate themselves and approach humans on their own terms.
20
Rattlesnake mating sessions have been known to last more than 22 hours.
232
Squirrels will sometimes adopt orphaned baby squirrels that they’re related to.
12
Vampire bats adopt orphans, and are one of the few mammals known to risk their own lives to share food with less fortunate roost-mates.
402
The world’s largest frog, the Goliath frog, can grow over 13 inches in length and can jump up to 10 feet in a single bound.
8
A 42-foot sperm whale has about 7 tons of oil in it.
209