Rodent moments

by Nightjar Fri 25 Sep 2020 - 11:54

Magawa the landmine detection rat given gold medal for bravery

Giant African pouched rat has cleared more than 141,000 square metres of land - the equivalent of 20 football pitches

A landmine detection rat has been awarded a gold medal for his “lifesaving bravery and devotion to duty”.

Magawa, a giant African pouched rat, has discovered 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance in Cambodia since he was trained by charity APOPO. He is the charity’s most successful Hero Rat, having cleared more than 141,000 square metres of land – the equivalent of 20 football pitches.

Magawa has been formally recognised for his work and been presented with a miniature PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross. He is the first rat in the charity’s 77-year history to receive such an award.