A is for Animals: An A to Z of Animals in War

Animals in Times of War

 Most Australians are familiar with the story of Simpson and his donkey, the brave soldier who used a small donkey to carry wounded men down from the front line on Gallipoli. But there are hundreds of stories of service men and women working alongside animals during wartime.  

A is for Animals: An A to Z of Animals in War is a new exhibition on show at the National Wool Museum in Geelong. On loan from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, this exhibition brings together many interesting animal stories from the Boer War to the present day.   Animals are put to many uses by the military – whether they have a specific job to do such as dogs, horses, camels and pigeons, are used as mascots and pets, or as symbols on badges and flags such as the boxing kangaroo.

This exhibition also looks at the unwelcome animals and insects that make life in the field even more difficult and dangerous.   As well as telling the stories of animals in war, A is for Animals has been designed to assist school children in developing literacy skills. An education program is available during terms one and two, as well as a family program during the Easter 2010 school holidays.  

Developed with a family audience in mind, A is for Animals presents many fascinating and moving animal stories for visitors of all ages to enjoy. On show until Sunday 6 June, 2010.