The Purple Poppy Day Memorial in 2025. Photo / National Army Museum
The Purple Poppy Day Memorial in 2025. Photo / National Army Museum
Purple Poppy Day, February 24, is a day to remember the brave animals who served without hesitation and sacrificed without question.
New Zealand, along with Australia and the United Kingdom, formally recognises the service and sacrifice of animals that served alongside military personnel, marking their contribution with a dedicated dayof remembrance.
While the red poppy is widely understood as a symbol of human loss in war, the purple poppy represents the animals that served and died in conflicts.
The extent of this sacrifice is significant.
It is estimated that more than 8 million animals died during World War I alone.
New Zealand contributed thousands of horses to the war effort.
Of the approximately 10,000 horses that departed our country to transport troops and supplies, only four returned.
Each of these horses belonged to officers: Beauty, owned by Captain Richard Riddiford; Bess, owned by Captain Charles Powles; Dolly, owned by Major General Sir Andrew Russell; and Digger, the mount of Lieutenant Colonel George King, who was killed at Passchendaele.
Animals performed a variety of essential roles in wartime.
Horses operated under constant threat while moving soldiers, equipment, and provisions.
Donkeys and horses were used to carry wounded men from the battlefield to medical stations.
Carrier pigeons delivered critical messages when other communication systems failed.
Dogs detected explosives, located injured soldiers, and undertook numerous support duties.
Bullocks also played a role in transporting heavy supplies.
Kem Ormond with the Memorial to Bess, which commemorates a horse that served in the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment in World War I. Photo / Phil Thomsen
In addition to their practical contributions, animals provided important emotional support.
Dogs frequently served as unit mascots, took part in parades, and offered companionship to soldiers and nurses during both World Wars.
Their presence provided comfort and a sense of normality amid the stresses of conflict.
Public recognition of animals’ wartime service has increased in recent years.
In 2018, a New Zealand War Animal Memorial was unveiled at the National Army Museum in Waiōuru, creating a dedicated space to acknowledge their contribution.
It will be hosting a ceremony, scheduled for 11am on Tuesday, February 24.
Auckland Museum has an online cenotaph where you can leave messages relating to Purple Poppy Day.
A War Animal Memorial Service is held at Waiouru Army Museum to commemorate Purple Poppy Day 2025. Photo / National Army Museum, Waiouru NZ
In Wellington, a commemoration is held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 5pm, featuring opportunities to lay poppies at the Man and the Donkey Memorial.
Located on Forest Road in Parewanui, Bulls is a Memorial to Bess commemorating a horse that served in the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment in World War I.
Check online or in your local paper for any Purple Poppy Day services in your area.
The purple poppy also recognises the ongoing work of animals in search and rescue and law enforcement, where they continue to serve and protect communities.
Wearing a purple poppy is a meaningful way to acknowledge these animals, their service, and the sacrifices they made alongside our New Zealand forces.
