Statue Unveiled for Magawa, the Award-Winning Landmine Detection Rat
Originally: Seven-foot statue unveiled honoring Magawa, award-winning rat who found more than 100 landmines in Cambodia
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A seven-foot statue honoring Magawa, a landmine detection rat, was unveiled in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on April 3, 2026, coinciding with International Mine Awareness Day. Magawa, who died in 2022 at age 8, detected over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance, covering more than 1.5 million square feet during his five-year career. Trained by the Belgian charity APOPO, he was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in 2020, becoming the first rat to receive this honor. His contributions have significantly improved safety for over a million Cambodians living in landmine-affected areas. The statue serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of landmines in Cambodia and the importance of mine detection efforts.
Key Takeaways
- • Magawa detected over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance during his career.
- • The statue was unveiled on April 3, 2026, for International Mine Awareness Day.
- • Magawa was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in 2020, the first rat to receive this honor.
- • He covered more than 1.5 million square feet in landmine detection.
- • Cambodia has the highest rate of landmine amputees per capita globally.
Why This Matters
The unveiling of Magawa's statue highlights the critical role of animal-assisted mine detection in improving safety in war-torn regions. With over a million people living in landmine-affected areas in Cambodia, ongoing efforts in mine clearance are essential for community safety and recovery. This event also raises awareness about the lasting impact of landmines on civilian populations and the importance of international support for demining initiatives.
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