Balto was a Siberian Husky sled dog who played a crucial role in delivering diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, in 1925. Here’s his remarkable story:
In January 1925, a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, an isolated town in Alaska, threatened the lives of its citizens, especially children. The deadly disease causes breathing trouble, paralysis and heart problems. The town’s medical supplies were running low, and the only way to get more was to fly them from the city of Anchorage by air. However, the only airplane set to transport it had a frozen engine. The Alaska Railroad was used to bring the needed anti-diphtheria serum north from Anchorage to Nenana in Interior Alaska.
A relay team of 150 sled dogs led by 20 mushers was organised to transport the antitoxin from Nenana to Nome, which became famous as the Great Race of Mercy. The 700-mile journey was treacherous, with blizzard conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and limited daylight.
Balto, a seasoned sled dog, was part of the final leg of the relay team led by musher Gunnar Kaasen. On February 2, 1925, Balto and his team braved a fierce storm to deliver the antitoxin to Nome, navigating through icy terrain and strong winds.
Balto’s team faced numerous challenges: They had to navigate through icy rivers, snow-covered mountains, and dense forests. The team endured temperatures as low as -50°F (-45.6°C) and strong winds that made it difficult to see and breathe.
Thanks to the heroic efforts of Balto and his team of sled dogs, the antitoxin was delivered in time, the diphtheria outbreak in Nome and the surrounding communities was contained, and many precious lives saved.
Balto’s story is a testament to the endurance, loyalty, and bravery of sled dogs. He became a national hero, and his story has been immortalised in films, books and statues.
His legacy extends beyond his heroic deed. His story has inspired countless people to appreciate the importance of sled dogs and the role they play in Arctic communities.
The year 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the Alaska serum run.
(Left) A bronze sculpture of Balto was installed in Central Park, New York, in Dec.1925 to celebrate his “endurance, fidelity, intelligence.” Balto himself was reportedly present at the ceremony.
Balto spent his later years in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was welcomed with a parade! He spent several years living in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and his stuffed remains still exist in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Image courtesy Wikipedia.