In this undated photo issued by the PDSA, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, Cambodian landmine detection rat, Magawa is photographed wearing his PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Magawa passed away in early Jan. 2022, said an announcement on the website of APOPO, a Belgium-headquartered non-profit group. The organization trains rats and dogs to sniff out land mines and tuberculosis. (PDSA via AP, File)
By Sopheng Cheang
A land mine-detecting rat in Cambodia who received a prestigious award for his life-saving duty has died in retirement, the charity for which he had worked has announced.
Magawa, an African giant pouched rat, passed away last weekend, said an announcement on the website of APOPO, a Belgium-headquartered non-profit group. The organization trains rats and dogs to sniff out land mines and tuberculosis.
“All of us at APOPO are feeling the loss of Magawa and we are grateful for the incredible work he’s done,” the announcement said. Magawa was born in November 2013 in Tanzania, where APOPO maintains its operational headquarters and training and breeding center. He was sent to Cambodia in 2016.
The death of Magawa was announced a day after three mine removal experts working for another group were killed by an accidental explosion of an anti-tank mine in Cambodia’s northern province of Preah Vihear. Almost three decades of civil war that ended in 1998 left Cambodia littered with land mines and other unexploded ordnance that continues to kill and maim.
APOPO’s office in Cambodia posted condolences for the three dead and one wounded from the Cambodia Self Help Demining group.
According to APOPO, Magawa detected more than 100 land mines and other explosives during his five-year career before retiring last year.
“His contribution allows communities in Cambodia to live, work, and play without fear of losing life or limb,” said the group. In 2020, the rat also won a gold medal from the Britain-based People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, considered the highest award for gallantry an animal can receive.
African giant pouched rats are believed to be especially well-suited for land mine clearance because their small size lets them walk across mine fields without triggering the explosives.
In retirement in Cambodia’s northwestern province of Siem Reap, Magawa was housed in his usual cage, and fed the same food — mostly fresh fruit and vegetables — that sustained him during his active career. To keep him trim, he was released for 20-30 minutes a day into a larger cage with facilities such as a sandbox and a running wheel. His death at 8 years of age was not unusual for the species.
Carlo and Baker discuss the fallout from Tuesday's election and the flashing warning sign for Dems ahead of the midterms. Also, a big 2A case at the Supreme Court, Aaron Rodgers has Covid and is in big trouble, and a first for the MCU.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, well at least for some people. Yes, it's true that the holiday season can often be a great time to spend with loved ones, but many are finding themselves more stressed out than usual. Michelle Chalfant, licensed therapist and host of the podcast 'The Adult Chair' joins Cheddar News to talk about what's got people stressed. For more tips on how to manage stress visit www.theadultchair.com.
As we move closer toward the end of 2021, many people have moved forward with their lives in an effort to put 2020 behind them. But it turns out, some people are still struggling with the pressures associated with a post-pandemic society. According to a new poll by the American Psychological Association, 32% of American adults are still stressed by the pandemic and it turns out, some of that may have to do with your job. Ted Guastello, chief strategy officer with AMFM Healthcare joins Cheddar News to discuss.
Citi and Getty Images are teaming up to create a new toolkit featuring diverse images. The goal is to offer marketers and companies the opportunity to feature authentic representation, culture, and identity in advertising. The 'Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Imagery Toolkit' will be available in multiple markets around the globe, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Mexico, and Hong Kong. Tristen Norman, head of creative insights for the Americas at Getty Images to talk about the partnership.
A new article in The Hollywood reporter is shining a light on the sexism and harassment female comics face in the stand-up community. It also points to the failed attempts women have had in the industry to gain the support of the #MeToo movement. Mona Shaikh, comedian and producer of 'Minority Reportz' at New York Comedy Festival was featured in that article and joins Cheddar News to talk about this issue.
Lucid Motors takes Cheddar News anchor Ken Buffa behind the scenes to showcase how their electric vehicles are made. They also shared when the luxury EVs will be delivered to pre-order customers.
Carlo and Baker discuss the election results across the country, including a Republican comeback in Virginia -- and possibly NJ -- plus the CDC gives the go-ahead for child vaccinations, Atlanta wins the World Series and more.
