Unveiling the Truth Behind the Viral Image Shared by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

In the realm of COVID-19 safety guideline memes, one image stands out among the myriad circulating on the internet. This particular meme depicts a soldier carrying a donkey on his back through a minefield, symbolizing those who disregard warnings during crises. Recently, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the chairperson of Biocon, shared this meme, reigniting its online presence.

While the photo is often thought to be from World War II, a deeper investigation reveals otherwise. According to fact-checking site Snopes, the image is actually from the 1958 Algerian War. It captures a moment when a donkey was rescued by a member of the French Foreign Legion, who then provided it with medical assistance and later adopted it as their unit mascot, naming it “Bambi.”

Author Douglas Porch, in his book about the Legion’s history, noted the Legion’s tradition of adopting mascots, ranging from monkeys to storks. He humorously remarked that in some units, the number of animals exceeded the human manpower, and Bambi was not exempt from enjoying the legionnaires’ company and their beer.

The photo’s journey from a historical event to a meme is a testament to its enduring impact. Even New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shared it during a COVID-19 briefing in 2020, highlighting its resonance even decades later.