MAGAWA*

Magawa was a Mine Detection HeroRAT, working in Cambodia with Apopo. He was part of an elite squad who took on the challenge of clearing Cambodia of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Born in Tanzania at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in November 2013, Magawa, an African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei), grew up at APOPO’s Training and Research center where he learned how to detect the smell of explosives using his nose and his amazing sense of smell . Under the caring guidance of his trainers he fully completed his training in 9 months and began to prepare to leave for the field. Magawa moved to Siem Reap in Cambodia in 2016 where he met his new handler Malen and began his successful career.

During his career, Magawa found over 100 landmines and other explosives, making him APOPO’s most successful HeroRAT to date. His contribution allowed communities in Cambodia to live, work, and play; without fear of losing life or limb. In September 2020, he was formally presented with a PDSA Gold Medal – the highest award for gallantry an animal can receive. He retired from the field in 2021 and passed away peacefully at 8 years old.