Cambodia Unveils Statue of Mine-Detecting Rat Magawa

Cambodia has unveiled the world’s first statue dedicated to a landmine-detecting rat to honor the legacy of Magawa, an African giant pouched rat known for his heroism in clearing explosives. The monument, carved from local stone, was officially unveiled on April 3, 2026, in Siem Reap province at the headquarters of the Belgian nonprofit APOPO.

The unveiling coincided with the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4. The ceremony was attended by Ly Thuch, the First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, who emphasized that Magawa’s contributions significantly reduced risks for communities living on contaminated land, allowing farmers to cultivate and children to walk safely.

Career and Achievements

Magawa began his bomb-sniffing career in Cambodia in 2016 after receiving training from APOPO. Over a five-year career, the rodent utilized his acute sense of smell to detect chemical compounds within explosives, alerting human handlers to the presence of mines so they could be safely removed.

During his tenure, Magawa cleared more than 141,000 square metres of land, an area equivalent to 20 football pitches. His efficiency allowed him to search a field the size of a tennis court in only 20 minutes. In total, he detected over 100 landmines and other explosives; specific records indicate he sniffed out 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnances.

In 2020, Magawa was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for his life-saving devotion to duty. This award is often described as the George Cross for animals, and Magawa was the first rat to receive the honor in the 77-year history of the charity.

Legacy and Continued Risks

Magawa retired due to old age and a slowing of his pace, eventually dying in 2022 at eight years old. The new statue depicts the rat with a black harness and a medal dangling from its neck, serving as a permanent tribute to his work.

The monument also serves as a broader reminder of the ongoing dangers in the region. According to the United Nations, landmines remain a persistent risk in Cambodia, where more than a million people continue to live and work on land contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance.

the monument for Magawa “is a reminder to the international community that there’s still a job to be done here”

Michael Raine, Apopo’s Cambodia Programme Manager

Senior Minister Ly Thuch noted that Magawa’s legacy reflects the innovative approaches introduced by APOPO and the collective efforts of national institutions, mine action operators, and international development organizations that have supported Cambodia’s efforts to remove remnants of war.