Humpback Whales: In 2009, a group of humpback whales were spotted in the waters off the coast of California protecting a gray whale and her calf from a group of killer whales.

Gorillas: In 1996, a young boy fell into the gorilla enclosure at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. A female gorilla named Binti Jua picked up the boy and cradled him in her arms, protecting him from the other gorillas until zookeepers could retrieve him.

Dogs: Dogs have been known to rescue people from fires, drowning, and even from bear attacks. They have also been trained to assist people with disabilities.

Dolphins: In 2004, a group of dolphins in New Zealand herded a group of swimmers away from a great white shark, preventing a potential attack.

Cats: Cats have been known to rescue people from burning buildings, and there are even stories of cats alerting their owners to gas leaks or other dangers in the home.

Elephants: In 2012, a herd of elephants in Kenya rescued a calf that had fallen into a muddy pit.

Kangaroos: In 2009, a kangaroo in Australia attacked a man who was attacking a woman, saving her life.

Lions: In 2005, a group of lions in Ethiopia rescued a 12-year-old girl who had been kidnapped by men trying to force her into marriage.

Penguins: In 2008, a group of penguins in Brazil helped rescue a young man who was stranded on a beach.

Pigs: In 1998, a pig named Lulu saved her owner’s life by alerting him to a fire in their home.

Rabbits: In 2013, a pet rabbit named Toby alerted his owner to a fire in their home by scratching and biting at her until she woke up.

Rats: In 2007, a group of rats in Mozambique sniffed out landmines and saved countless lives.

Sea lions: In 2010, a sea lion in California rescued a young girl who had fallen into the water.

Sheep: In 2008, a sheep in New Zealand saved her owner from a bull attack.

Squirrels: In 2007, a squirrel in England helped save a woman’s life by alerting her to a gas leak in her home.