June 15 marks International Working Animal Day, and to celebrate its tenth anniversary, Working Animals International has created a puzzle featuring 10 hidden working animals. The day is an annual awareness campaign that shines a light on the crucial roles played by working donkeys, horses, mules, camels, oxen, and other animals worldwide.
Survey Reveals Most Undervalued Animals
A survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by the charity, found that bees, donkeys, and mules are considered the most undervalued animals. Other overlooked creatures include frogs, foxes, and rats. More than half (54%) of people believe the contribution of working animals is frequently overlooked, with many feeling these animals are undervalued simply because they aren't considered 'cute'.
For 42% of respondents, certain animals are disregarded because people fail to appreciate what they do for the planet and mankind. However, 51% believe this would change if society had greater awareness of the work they carry out. Even some seemingly well-loved farm animals, such as pigs, chickens, and goats, are considered neglected and featured in the top 12.
The Puzzle: Find the 10 Hidden Working Animals
Linda Edwards, chief executive of the charity, said: "We wanted to bring to life just how much work working animals do, and how often that contribution and their welfare is overlooked. There are 10 working animals hidden in this scene, all of which show roles they are still used for today. 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."
She added: "We hope that by encouraging people to look for working animals in the puzzle, that they, and their welfare, become more visible."
Public Opinion on Education and Awareness
More than half (56%) of respondents, polled via OnePoll, believe school education would boost people's general understanding of working animals. Pop-culture references could also help, including in TV programmes (36%), books (34%), and films (29%). A third suggested national awareness days would enhance society's knowledge, though 43% feel more knowledgeable and aware of working animals today than they were a decade ago.
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."
10 Animals to Find in the Puzzle
- Horse taking kids to school
- Donkey working on a construction site
- Ox farming/ploughing fields
- Camel transporting goods
- Dog helping people with sight issues get around
- Goat clearing vegetation and brambles
- Rat detecting landmines
- Falcon deterring other birds at airports
- Dolphin detecting underwater explosives
- Pig sniffing out truffles
Top 20 Overlooked/Undervalued Animals According to Brits
- Bees
- Donkeys
- Mules
- Frogs
- Pigs
- Pigeons
- Foxes
- Chickens
- Goats
- Rats
- Mice
- Silkworms
- Ducks
- Sheep
- Camels
- Oxen
- Ferrets
- Dolphins
- Geese
- Panda



