Hero Rats on patrol (Landmine Sniffing)

In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too), those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed. - Charles Darwin

A reminder about an extraordinary program. Hero RATS are extremely successful at the task of sniffing out landmines. In addition to that, they are also being trained to detect Tuberculosis. 25 Rats are currently trained in TB detection.

Learn more in this TED presentation by Bart Weetjens.

 

From Oddity Central, Bomb Sniffing requires aptitude.

[According to Tim Edwards, APOPO’s head of training and behavioral research, it is important that the rats be trusted. But in the rare event that a rat proves difficult to train, it is removed from the training program, but kept on as a playmate for the rest of the rats. “We do have a range of what people might call personalities in the rats,” Edwards explained.

“Usually, any extreme behaviour – either too quick or too slow, or too social or not social enough – can make them a little bit too difficult to train. We see quite a bit of variance, but ideally we have a nice balance between a rat that’s easy to handle but is also active and aggressive enough to go out there and find the mines.”]

Hero Rats also enjoy rewards for their service. "APOPO takes good care of its hero rats. There have been zero casualties so far – no rats have died or been injured in the line of duty. Sunscreen is applied to their ears to prevent skin cancer. And once a rat is too old to work, it is retired and permitted to live out the rest of its natural life."

More background on the HeroRATS -



This is an amazing program and the RATS are providing extraordinary services. In return, it is hoped that they are given support and care equal to the tremendous benefit they are providing humans.

Due to lack of awareness, contact and/or and education, many animals are unfairly scorned, maligned, underrated and under appreciated. Programs like this demonstrate how much more we have yet to learn from the fellow beings on our planet.

Worthy, these RATS are, of the title: Hero.

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And to each and every Rat who has ever been and will ever be part of this program, you have our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you.