Cambodia unveiled a life-sized bronze statue on Wednesday honoring Magawa, an African giant pouched rat whose extraordinary sense of smell helped clear over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance during his five-year career. The memorial, erected in the capital Phnom Penh, commemorates the rodent’s contributions to post-conflict recovery in one of the world’s most heavily mined countries.
Magawa, trained by Belgian NGO APOPO, was the most successful ‘HeroRAT’ in Cambodia’s demining efforts until his retirement in 2021. The rodent passed away last year at age 8. ‘This statue symbolizes our gratitude to all who work to make Cambodia safe again,’ said a government spokesperson who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Analysts note the tribute highlights Cambodia’s ongoing struggle with landmines—legacies of the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent civil wars. According to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, explosions still kill or injure about 100 people annually. ‘Animals like Magawa accelerate clearance in ways technology still can’t match,’ said a demining expert from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.
The statue’s unveiling coincides with renewed international funding for Cambodia’s demining programs. Observers suggest such memorials may boost awareness as the country aims to eliminate landmine casualties by 2025—a target experts call ambitious but achievable.