Tribute to a Lifesaving Rat

A large stone statue has been dedicated to Magawa, an extraordinary rat recognized for his critical role in saving lives in Cambodia.

Magawa, who became a national hero, located over 100 landmines during his five-year career—covering more than 1.5 million square feet, a record in the country. He retired in 2021 and passed away in 2022 at the age of eight.

This African giant pouch rat was trained by the Belgian organization APOPO to detect landmines and explosives using his remarkable sense of smell. In Cambodia, it’s estimated that over a million people live and work in areas contaminated by landmines.

A Heroic Canine

In 2020, Magawa was honored with the PDSA Dickin Medal for Bravery, which celebrates acts of animal heroism. Notably, he was the first rat ever to receive this prestigious award since its establishment in 1943.

During his operational years, Magawa proved indispensable. His light weight enabled him to traverse mined regions without triggering any devices. When he detected landmines, he would scratch the surface, alerting his handlers, and afterward, received his well-deserved treats.

APOPO highlighted that each discovery made by Magawa significantly lowered the risk of injury or fatality for the Cambodian population. They commented that his achievements allowed communities to engage in daily activities without the constant threat of landmines.

Sadly, Cambodia has the highest rate of landmine-related amputations in the world. Magawa’s legacy, however, lives on, showcasing the impactful contributions of trained animals in promoting safety and saving lives.

The statue in his honor was unveiled on April 3 in Siem Reap, timed with International Landmine Awareness Day, observed the following day.