A landmine detection rat has been awarded the animal equivalent of a George Cross for his ‘lifesaving bravery’.
Magawa, a giant African pouched rat, has discovered 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance since he was trained by charity APOPO, which specialises in training animals to detect landmines and tuberculosis in humans.
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.
Source: Daily Mail
