APOPO
26.9K posts
APOPO
@herorats
For +25 years we have tackled landmines and tuberculosis around the world using trained African giant pouched rats and other scent-detection animals.
Tanzania, Cambodia, Angola
Born November 1, 1997
Joined August 2009
- Llewdrac started #training as a mine detection rat, but was reassigned to tuberculosis (TB) detection for being a slow walker. He's excelling! He learns the smell of TB-positive samples & the indication behavior (3s nose poke) needed to receive a reward. #newcareerpath #herorats
00:00 - Our #HeroRATs have a whole lot to say! This amazing guide to rat body language by Maija Karala helps interpret the messages our rats send us. ✨ You can find it on Society6 by Studio Eem! #ratbodylanguage #handyguide #sharing
- With mixed feelings, we announce that PDSA Gold-medalist Magawa will be retiring this month. Although still in good health, he has reached a retirement age and is clearly starting to slow down. It is time. Thanks so much for supporting him! Read more: bit.ly/3chrxJr
- "When I pull this ball attached to my vest, you will hear a 'BEEP' sound to let you know that I detected pangolin scales!' How cute is Wildlife detection rat Betty? 🐭 ❤️ #HeroRATs #SavePangolins #EndWildlifeCrime #ProtectBiodiversity
- HeroRAT 'walkies' - where we allow the rats to choose when and where to venture, so they build their confidence outside of their detection training sessions, ensuring they feel secure and focused when learning how to #savelives with their powerful nose.💫 #HeroRATs #APOPO
00:00 - It is with sadness we announce that Shuri, the much loved HeroRAT, passed away peacefully. We are bereft at the loss of our little hero but so grateful for the great work Shuri was able to do for the people of Angola. #restinpeace #loveandlight #heroesneverdie #neverforgotten
- Garden High Tea with Jerzy 🐭🌼 Happy #FullCheekFriday folks. Make it count! #FCF #TGIF #fridayvibes #almostweekend #herorats #ratcommunity #APOPO
00:00 - One of the challenges of a #FullCheekFriday feast is racing siblings to reach the tastiest treats first...😅 After a week of hard work getting socialized & learning to wear different harnesses, these HeroPUPs are really happy that the weekend is finally here! Have a great one! 🐭
00:00 - In the past month, #HeroRAT Ronin found 2 #landmines & 1 unexploded bomb, clearing 6,505 m² for #APOPO. His work enables safe land use. Ronin works 30 mins in the morning, and rests/plays well afterward. This balance maintains his effectiveness. #cambodia #savinglives #herorats
00:00 - HeroPUP Malaika digs in to her #FullCheekFriday treats in the lush garden! 💚🐭🌽 Have a great weekend everyone!
- Our small HeroRATs have a whole lot to say. This guide to rat body language is very helpful when interpreting the messages our rats send us. 😊🐭
- APOPO is training HeroRATs for Search & Rescue. The rats have a great sense of smell, and can move through small spaces to search for survivors. The basic behavioral sequence is: search for victim, pull ball to communicate victim has been found, then return to trainer for reward.
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