The earth has lost a leading name in landmine detection and administration as it was announced that Magawa passed away peacefully at the noble-minded old age of eight years previous : not bad for an African giant bulge rat ( Cricetomys ansorgei ) . Having located over 100 landmines and other explosive during his calling , Magawa will hold out on through his accomplishment , which earned him thePDSA Gold Medal – the highest award for gallantry an beast can receive – in 2020 .
badmouth by many , rats get a speculative pat across much of the Earth but Magawa ’s home base , APOPO , has long celebrated the potential drop of these thinking rodents . Training scent signal detection rats and dogs – nickname “ HeroRATs ” and “ HeroDOGs ” – APOPO ’s goal is to decimate landmines in Cambodia and detect tuberculosis so that affected land and communities can be made safer position .
Among their many valiant dirty dog was Magawa , an fauna who shot to external fame after becoming the first puke ever to receive the PDSA amber medal for his contribution , make him the poster rate for landmine detection . After a roaring career , he hung up his mine - discover boots in 2021 ( withquite the retirement political party ) and continued to take on with high spirit into his halcyon years .
After recently celebrating his 8th birthday , a sizable age for an African pouched puke , APOPO report he began to slow down in the leading up to his passing play . In the wake of his death , they reflect upon the living of their most successful HeroRAT to date .
“ His contribution allows community in Cambodia to endure , workplace , and play ; without fear of recede sprightliness or tree branch , ” APOPO say in astatement . “ Every discovery he made reduced the peril of harm or death for the people of Cambodia . ”
APOPO trains rats to detect landmines using their penetrating sense of scent . Their goal : to safeguard over 60 million mass in country from Cambodia to Zimbabwe who live among the remainder of past conflicts . With the help of hardy rats like Magawa , APOPO has been able to clear land so that it may be used by future genesis loose from fear . They rely on donations and adoptions to carry out their work , which you’re able to find out .
“ It is thanks to all of you that Magawa will leave a hold up legacy in the lives that he save as a landmine spying lowlife in Cambodia , ” said APOPO .
RIP Magawa , you little legend you .
