Page "Carrier pigeon" Paragraph 5

With training, pigeons can carry up to 75 g ( 2. 5 oz ) on their backs.

The German apothecary Julius Neubronner used carrier pigeons to deliver urgent medication.

In 1977 a similar carrier pigeon service was set up for the transport of laboratory specimens between two English hospitals.

Every morning a basket with pigeons was taken from Plymouth General Hospital to Devonport Hospital.

The birds then delivered unbreakable vials back to Plymouth as needed.

The 30 carrier pigeons became unnecessary in 1983 because of the closure of one of the hospitals.

In the 1980s a similar system existed between two French hospitals located in Granville and Avranche.