10 World Famous Animals You Need to Know About

What is it about humans and animals that we’re able to forge these special bonds between us? Sometimes it feels like we don’t deserve their affection and love. Yeah, no, we definitely don’t, but these creatures are still loyal to us no matter what!

Throughout our history there have been hundreds of astounding animals worthy of getting their own bronze statues but only few were immortalized in such a way. The rest will have to get by on some photos, name plaques, and mentions in the history books.

Here are 10 world famous animals you need to know about!

1. Hachiko
Hachiko was a living legend. This Japanese Akita dog kept waiting for his master for over NINE years, every day at the same spot, not knowing his owner Hidesaburō Ueno died in an accident years ago.

2. Belka and Strelka – Russian Space Dogs
You know why we haven’t had a Disney movie about dogs going to space? Because the Russians did it first and they have all the bragging rights. This happened sometime in the 1950s and 1960s when the Reds sent over 50 dogs to Earth’s orbit. Most survived, with Belka and Strelka being the pioneers.

3. Darwin’s tortoise Harriet
It is said that Darwin picked up wee little Harriet in 1835, while visiting Galapagos. She’s lived a long and happy life in Australia until June of 2006, when she was approximately 175 years old.