Meet Magawa: The Hero Rat Who Saved Lives in Cambodia

Meet Magawa, the hero rat who found 71 landmines and made over 56 acres safe in Cambodia.

A Tiny Hero

This is the story of Magawa, a rat who earned a tiny gold medal for his lifesaving work in Cambodia. Magawa wasn't just any rat; he was trained by a nonprofit organization called APOPO to detect landmines left from past conflicts.

African giant pouched rats like Magawa are known for their intelligence and love for mental challenges. This makes them perfect for this important and heroic job.

The Brave Work

During his five-year career, Magawa found 71 landmines and 38 other dangerous items. Thanks to him, over 56 acres of land became safe for farming, building homes, and playing. Can you imagine how many lives he helped protect with his little paws?

In 2020, Magawa became the first rat ever to receive the PDSA Gold Medal, a big award for animal bravery. This made Magawa a true superstar in the animal world.

A Happy Life

Magawa lived among friends in a special environment that kept him happy. He even had weekly checkups to make sure he was healthy. All of APOPO's HeroRats can retire whenever they want, and Magawa decided in 2021 that he would rather spend his time napping. He spent his retirement with his friends, enjoying his favorite treats like bananas and peanuts.

The Legacy Continues

Today, new HeroRats are following in Magawa's footsteps. These special rats are not only finding landmines but also detecting tuberculosis and locating disaster survivors. Magawa's bravery and dedication continue to inspire and save lives.

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