MAGAWA

(RAAP—005)

Magawa was an African giant pouched rat trained by the non-profit organization APOPO. He played a crucial role in landmine detection in Cambodia, one of the world’s most heavily mined countries. Over his career, Magawa discovered over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance, significantly contributing to the safety of affected communities.

Born in Tanzania, Magawa was brought to Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2016, where he commenced his work as a landmine detection rat. He retired from active duty in June 2020 and passed away at the age of eight. During his final days, he exhibited signs of aging before peacefully passing away.

In recognition of his contributions, Magawa was awarded a gold medal by the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in 2020, becoming the first rat to receive this honor for lifesaving bravery and devotion to duty. The continuing presence of over 1,000 square kilometers of land contaminated by landmines in Cambodia underscores the ongoing need for such efforts, especially in light of recent tragedies, including the death of three Cambodians in landmine explosions. APOPO’s HeroRATs, like Magawa, play a vital role in making landmine detection safer for human deminers.