Animals Involved in Military Operations

 

Was the intelligent dolphin a Russian spy?

A white beluga whale, once suspected of being a 'Russian spy,' was found dead in Norwegian waters. Beluga whales are marine mammals belonging to the family Monodontidae and are known for being easily tamed. This animal, which inhabits the Arctic Ocean, appeared in northern European waters with a harness labeled 'St. Petersburg Equipment,' leading to suspicions that it had been trained as a spy by the Russian navy. The whale had been frequently spotted along the coasts of Norway and Sweden, and an autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Although it is unclear whether this intelligent whale was used as a Russian naval spy, we can explore other instances in history where animals have been used strategically.

A white beluga whale suspected of being a Russian spy

The Saker Falcon, Mongolia's Messenger

The saker falcon is a bird of prey, and its eyesight is eight times sharper than that of humans, allowing it to see clearly from a distance. When hunting, it can freefall at speeds of over 300 km/h. During the Mongol Empire, which rose under Genghis Khan in what is now the region of Mongolia, the Mongols rapidly expanded their territory, conquering neighboring countries, including the Jin dynasty. The Mongol army highly valued mobility in warfare, but as their territory grew, it became difficult to communicate with headquarters over long distances. To address this, they used well-trained falcons to quickly send messages to distant units. The Mongol army's fast maneuverability and improved communication between units contributed to their control of the largest contiguous empire in world history. If the saker falcons had not successfully played their role in Mongol communication, the army could have faced delays in gathering information, potentially leading to losses in various battles. The saker falcon was the ultimate messenger for the Mongol army.

 

\Saker falcon, a bird of prey (source: Naver Images)

Pigeons as Spies in War

Pigeons, known for their homing instinct, have been domesticated for communication purposes since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to recognize this ability, using pigeons to send messages. The Romans further developed this system, utilizing pigeons for communication on the battlefield. As camera technology advanced, pigeons were fitted with cameras to capture important military installations. During World War I, pigeons played a crucial role in photographing key military targets. They were the equivalent of modern communication equipment, widely used as spies during warfare.

 

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