Full Breakdown
Cambodia Commemorates Heroic Landmine-Detecting Rat with Statue
4/5/2026, 9:21:51 PM
Unveiling of the Statue
On April 4, 2023, Cambodia unveiled the world's first statue dedicated to a landmine-detecting rat, Magawa, in Siem Reap. This tribute coincided with the International Day for Mine Awareness and honors Magawa's significant contributions during his five-year career, which began in 2016. Trained by the Belgian charity Apopo, Magawa was an African giant pouched rat who successfully detected over 100 landmines and other explosives, clearing more than 141,000 square meters of contaminated land—an area equivalent to 20 football pitches.
Magawa's Achievements
Magawa's exceptional abilities allowed him to search a tennis court-sized area in just 20 minutes. His work was crucial in a country where over a million people live and work on land still contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal in 2020, a prestigious honor often referred to as the George Cross for animals, making him the first rat to receive this accolade in the charity's 77-year history. Following his retirement due to age-related decline, Magawa passed away in 2022.
Ongoing Landmine Crisis
The statue serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing landmine crisis in Cambodia, where efforts continue to clear contaminated areas. Michael Raine, Apopo’s Cambodia Programme Manager, emphasized that the monument highlights the need for continued international support in addressing this issue, with a target date of 2030 set for Cambodia to become mine-free.
The Role of HeroRATS
Apopo has been training HeroRATS since the 1990s, utilizing their small size to safely detect landmines without the risk of detonation. In addition to landmine detection, these trained rodents have also been employed in detecting tuberculosis and combating illegal wildlife trafficking in Tanzania.
Record-Breaking Successor
Following Magawa's legacy, another Apopo-trained rat named Ronin set a new world record in 2025 by uncovering 109 landmines and 15 items of unexploded ordnance since 2021, surpassing Magawa's previous record. This highlights the ongoing success and importance of using trained rodents in humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
Magawa's statue not only commemorates his remarkable contributions but also serves as a call to action for the international community to support ongoing demining efforts in Cambodia. The legacy of Magawa and the work of Apopo continue to play a vital role in making the region safer for its inhabitants.
