A new brain teaser challenges you to find 10 hidden working animals to mark International Working Animal Day. The puzzle, released by the charity Working Animals International, aims to raise awareness of the often-overlooked contributions of working animals worldwide.
Most Overlooked Working Animals
Research involving 2,000 adults found that bees, donkeys, and mules are among the most overlooked working animals. Frogs, foxes, and rats also made the list of underappreciated animals. The study was commissioned by Working Animals International to celebrate the tenth anniversary of International Working Animal Day on June 15.
Over half (54%) of respondents believe the contribution of working animals is frequently overlooked, often because they aren't seen as 'cute'. For 42%, the view is that particular animals are dismissed due to a lack of understanding of their significance to the planet and humanity. However, 51% think this would change if society were better informed about the tasks these animals perform.
Hidden Animals in the Puzzle
The scene hides 10 working animals, each representing roles they still fulfil today. Can you spot them all? The animals include:
- Horse taking kids to school
- Donkey working on a construction site
- Ox farming or ploughing fields
- Camel transporting goods
- Dog helping people with sight issues
- Goat clearing vegetation and brambles
- Rat detecting landmines
- Falcon deterring birds at airports
- Dolphin detecting underwater explosives
- Pig sniffing out truffles
Charity's Mission
Linda Edwards, chief executive of Working Animals International, said: "We wanted to bring to life just how much work working animals do, and how often that contribution and their welfare is overlooked. The puzzle shows the breadth of their roles, from oxen ploughing fields to horses taking children to school. These animals perform essential jobs that are part of everyday life in many communities around the world. We hope that by encouraging people to look for working animals in the puzzle, they, and their welfare, become more visible."
Public Awareness
More than half (56%) of respondents believe school education would improve public awareness of working animals. Many also feel references in popular culture, such as television programmes (36%), books (34%), and films (29%), could be valuable. A third proposed national awareness days to broaden knowledge, while 43% feel better informed about working animals today compared to a decade ago.
Top 20 Overlooked Animals
According to the research, the top 20 most overlooked or undervalued working animals are:
- Bees
- Donkeys
- Mules
- Frogs
- Pigs
- Pigeons
- Foxes
- Chickens
- Goats
- Rats
- Mice
- Silkworms
- Ducks
- Sheep
- Camels
- Oxen
- Ferrets
- Dolphins
- Geese
- Panda
Linda Edwards added: "Millions of working animals help people earn a living, access essential services, and support their families, yet their contribution is too often overlooked. On International Working Animal Day, we are celebrating these remarkable animals and calling for greater recognition of their welfare needs."
