What Animals Sailed On Pirate Ships?

Pooli, a ships cat, served in the USS Fremont during World War II. Born on the Fourth Fleet, he was an American ship cat who served as an attack transport and later a command ship in the Pacific. During wars or piracy, ships at sea regularly took food from captured ships and inhabitants on shore. In 1676, explorer and pirate William Dampier observed red and yellow came Parrots along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

Historically, cats, parrots, and monkeys were common aboard ships, as they were part of the trade in exotic animals. Some pirates would transport these animals, while others would grow attached and keep them. Laxer standards of behavior allowed for this.

The first seaworthy vessel was likely crafted around 800,000 years ago by humans, who crafted boats and took to the seas. Monkeys were skilled at catching rats and other vermin that infested ships, helping to reduce disease spread and protect crew provisions. They also provided entertainment and companionship for sailors during their journeys, alleviating boredom.

Natives sold monkeys, and merchant ships transported them back to Europe for barter, purchase, or robbery. It was also possible for a monkey to blunder into a ship’s rigging on a deserted island and find itself at sea. The ships cat has been a common feature on many trading, exploration, and naval ships dating back to ancient times. They have been brought on ships for various reasons, including controlling rodents and preventing damage to ropes, woodwork, and electrical wiring.

In summary, the Golden Age of Piracy saw sailors consuming various foods, including cats, parrots, and other exotic animals, as part of the trade in exotic animals.