Magawa the hero rat, one of the most decorated rats in the history of rats, has just retired from the bomb detection force after five years.
The lauded rodent was once trained bby APOPO, a Belgian non-profit organization that trains African pouched rats as well as dogs to detect land mines and tuberculosis. Born in Tanzania in November 2013, it was at the Sokoine University of Agriculture where he honed his sense of smell to detect explosives. He then graduated three years later and moved to Siem Reap, Cambodia to begin his bomb sniffing duties.
Not all heroes wear capes. Some are your average Joe just trying to do the right thing but Magawa? He was neither average nor a Joe.
Over the last five years, Magawa had discovered 71 landmines as well as 38 “items of unexploded ordnance” and helped make over 225,000 square metres of land safe for Cambodian Residents.
It’s safe to say he truly lived up to his official job title of ‘HeroRAT’.
For his efforts, Magawa was awarded a Civilian Award for Animal Bravery by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals which is the highest civilian honour bestowed by the charity. Making him the first rat to receive the award in the charity’s 77-year history which has seen other animals such as dogs, cats and horses being awarded.
APOPO started their Cambodia program in 2016 and have continued to clear more land than any of their other programs in Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique according to their website. In 2020, approximately 47 million square feet was cleared of landmines and other explosive ordnance.
“Magawa’s performance has been unbeaten, and I have been proud to work side-by-side with him” says his handler Malen. “He is small but he has helped save many lives allowing us to return much-needed safe land back to our people as quickly and cost effectively as possible. But he is slowing down, and we need to respect his needs. I will miss working with him!”
Enjoy your retirement Magawa, you’ve earned it.
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