Post by autumn on Sept 25, 2020 18:27:51 GMT
A rat named Magawa has been given an animal bravery award for sniffing out dozens of landmines in Cambodia. Magawa received a gold medal from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom, on Friday, making him the first rodent in the nonprofit's history to earn the distinction.
Magawa, an African giant pouched rat, has detected 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance to date, according to PDSA. During his seven-year career, he helped clear more than 141,000 square meters of land – or the equivalent of 20 soccer fields. For every landmine Magawa finds, "he saves a life," PDSA said.
PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin lauded Magawa for his work, calling him a "hero rat" in a virtual presentation of the medal.
"The PDSA Animal Awards programme seeks to raise the status of animals in society and honour the incredible contribution they make to our lives," McLoughlin said in a statement. "Magawa's dedication, skill and bravery are an extraordinary example of this and deserve the highest possible recognition."
Magawa is the 30th recipient of the PDSA Gold Medal, and the first non-canine to receive it.
PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin lauded Magawa for his work, calling him a "hero rat" in a virtual presentation of the medal.
"The PDSA Animal Awards programme seeks to raise the status of animals in society and honour the incredible contribution they make to our lives," McLoughlin said in a statement. "Magawa's dedication, skill and bravery are an extraordinary example of this and deserve the highest possible recognition."
Magawa is the 30th recipient of the PDSA Gold Medal, and the first non-canine to receive it.
