Learn the story of the war veteran elephant

You have already known here at Mega Curious the story of the bear who was an official member of the Polish army, being much more than just a mascot. Now you will be able to see the journey of another animal that also worked in military missions: the Asian elephant Lin Wang.

The animal participated in World War II by transporting Japanese supplies around the Burma jungles. In 1943, his time with the Japanese army came to an end as he was captured by Chinese soldiers.

The Second Sino-Japanese War, which would later become the Pacific Front of World War II, began in 1939, reigniting a decades-long struggle between China and Japan. Forces clashed on the Asian continent, fighting in China, as well as in Burma (then controlled by the British, now Myanmar).

Hard work

Lin Wang was employed by the Japanese military as a worker in charge of transporting supplies. However, as noted above, his service ended in 1943, when the Chinese Expeditionary Forces seized his unit. The Chinese emerged victorious and took Lin Wang prisoner with other elephants.

The big guy was then forced to continue the same work routine, but now to the allies. He was then transferred to China. After this season in the country, the elephant was sent to Taiwan to help in the formation of new Chinese troops. By the time he arrived in Taiwan, he was the only elephant in the original group that remained alive.

The well deserved rest

Lin Wang's service continued until 1954, when he was finally retired and sent to the Taipei Zoo in Taiwan. It was also there that this poor working elephant found love by meeting his lifemate, the female Ma Lan. In addition, he was a hit with zoo visitors.

Lin Wang also became known for being the oldest captive elephant ever recorded. While most Asian elephants live around 60, Lin Wang has achieved 86!

He died in 2003. But in addition to health problems brought on by old age, his death may have been the result of sadness: his mate Ma Lan had died a year earlier and the elephant was supposed to be depressed for that reason.

Lin Wang's death was mourned by the people of Taiwan, who lit incense sticks and burned money (a traditional practice), leaving flowers and cards in their old home. As a tribute, the Taipei Zoo has found a way to eternalize this animal by creating a life-size statue of it (image above).