I discovered the amazing story of the mine detecting rats from Tanzania whilst on a volunteering tour in Cambodia. An hour spent at the new Visitor centre in Siem Reap showcasing their work was life changing. Cambodia has the highest percentage of amputees per head of population in the world. It also has the second highest concentration of explosive devices in the world .

For the last 20 years the giant pouched African rat has gone through training and development to detect landmines and also to detect Tuberculosis. They have successfully cleared Mozambique and MAGAWA and some of his siblings are now being sent to help with land clearance in Cambodia.  Copies of this portrait will go to creating merchandise for sale at the visitor centre.
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To learn more about the project please go to https://www.apopo.org
There you can adopt a rat of your choice for the price of a meal out and receive monthly emails  from him updating you on his amazing success.