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Stuffed lion on parade in the ‘Animals in the military’ section.
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Animals in the military

The use and abuse of animals as victims of war

Different species in military use

Since antiquity, war has claimed not only human lives but also those of animals of many different species. This section of the themed trail explores the use of animals in the military.

Use of animals continues today

This aspect of warfare is illustrated in the exhibition by a menagerie encompassing a wide range of species, from elephants and lions to bees. Arranged in the manner of a parade formation, these animals represent species that have, at one time or another, been deployed by the military in the course of human history.

The use of animals in military contexts continues to the present day. Today, animals are often assigned specialized tasks and may develop close relationships with the soldiers who work with them. The German Armed Forces still rely on animals in certain areas, and some of the animals featured in the exhibition served alongside Bundeswehr personnel during their lifetime.


Themed tour

Themed Tour
Merry-go-round cars designed to look like military vehicles.
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Military and society

Themed Tour
Display case from the ‘Bodies in formation’ section.
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Formation of bodies

Themed Tour
Visitors opening the screen in front of the display cases in the ‘Suffering caused by war’ section.
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Suffering caused by war

Themed Tour
A space capsule and a V-2 rocket.
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Military and technology

Themed Tour
Various items of equipment designed to protect the wearer.
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Protection and destruction

Chronological Section
Piece of early modern artillery on display.
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1300–1914

Chronological Section
On display are fragments of a German Panzer I.
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1914–1945

Chronological Section
Display case on NATO with uniforms from different member countries.
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1945–today

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