Heroic Rat that Received Gold Medal for Detecting Explosives Retires from Active Service after Saving Lives

Heroic Rat that Received Gold Medal for Detecting Explosives Retires from Active Service after Saving Lives

- Tanzania-born Magawa had an illustrious five-year career that saw him directly save the lives of people impacted by hidden explosives

- The handlers of the Cambodia-based African giant pouched rodent said he has become slow and sluggish but in good health

- In September 2020, Magawa received a gold medal for his bravery, devotion to lifesaving and diligence on duty

Pay Attention: Legit.ng is on a mission to support vulnerable children of Calabar – join the initiative on Patreon, let’s change more lives together!

A hero rat celebrated for its ability to detect landmines is about to embark on a well-deserved retirement.

APOPO.
Magawa at work. He helped detect over 70 landmines. Photo: APOPO.
Source: UGC

Tanzania-born Magawa had an illustrious five-year career that saw him directly save the lives of men, women, and children impacted by hidden explosives and war remnants.

According to APOPO, an organisation that trained Magawa, who is now based in Cambodia, the African giant pouched rodent has become slow and sluggish but in good health.

Read also

His birth, other strange and interesting things you did not know about Prophet TB Joshua

APOPO said on Thursday, June 3:

"Although still in good health, he has reached retirement age and is clearly starting to slow down. It is time."

The hero rat was born in Tanzania in November 2014. He grew up at APOPO's Training and Research Centre in Tanzania, where he learned how to sniff explosives.

Magawa then moved to Siem Reap in Cambodia in 2016, where he began his successful career.

During his career, Magawa found 71 landmines and 38 items of unexploded ordnance, making him APOPO’s most successful hero rat.

Over the past five years, he has helped clear over 225,000 square metres of land, allowing local communities to live, work, play and be educated; without fear of losing life or limb.

Gold medal award

In September 2020, Magawa received a gold medal for his bravery, devotion to lifesaving and diligence on duty.

Magawa was formally presented with the miniature PDSA Gold Medal, the George Cross's animal equivalent.

Read also

Khaby Lame: From losing his job to becoming Tiktok king of comedy and celebrity

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre reported that Cambodia might be sitting on top of more than six million landmines and other pieces of unexploded ordnance.

As a result, Cambodia has been recording the highest number of mine amputees per capita globally, with over 40,000 people suffering because of the mines.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

Brave dog receives standing ovation

Legit.ng previously reported that a video emerged on social media in which a police dog named Arlo could be seen receiving a standing ovation from fellow officers after surviving gunshot.

According to @TheSun on Twitter, Arlo was shot during a police chase. The video showed the brave dog leaving the hospital with the help of his fellow officers and enjoying the car ride home.

The dog received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Olympia.

Source: Legit.ng

Tags:
Online view pixel