In brief
A statue honoring Magawa, the landmine-sniffing rat who saved lives by detecting over 100 explosives during his career, was unveiled in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This recognition coincides with the International Day for Mine Awareness, highlighting the ongoing risk of landmines in the country. Trained by Apopo, Magawa was the first rat to receive the PDSA Gold Medal for bravery before passing away in 2022.
In a remarkable tribute to an extraordinary creature, Cambodia has unveiled a statue dedicated to Magawa, an African giant pouched rat recognized for his bravery in detecting landmines. This monument, crafted from locally sourced stone, was inaugurated in Siem Reap on the eve of the International Day for Mine Awareness, aiming to highlight the crucial work still needed to make land free of landmines.Magawa, who was trained by the Belgian charity Apopo, sniffed out over 100 landmines during his service in Cambodia, earning accolades for his lethal talent before he passed away in 2022 at the age of eight. Known for clearing an impressive 141,000 square meters of land—equivalent to 20 football pitches—his work has undeniably saved countless lives.The legacy of Magawa stands as a reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by landmines in Cambodia, affecting more than a million people. The initiative to honor this heroic rat not only celebrates his contributions but also raises awareness about the demining efforts still underway, with aims for Cambodia to be mine-free by 2030. According to officials, Magawa’s statue serves as a call to action for continued international support in addressing these hidden threats.
