The civil war that plagued Mozambique for nearly two decades ended in 1992, but its communities are still dealing with the aftermath. Land mines left across the African country continue to maim and take the lives of its peaceful residents.
However, one program has been making significant strides in ridding the area of these tragic reminders of war for good. Using these small, nimble, and adorable rats to sniff out the lingering mines has resulted in over 2,000 mines being found and destroyed, releasing 6 million square meters of land back to the public.
Known as APOPO, the program translates in English as “Anti-Personnel Land Mines Detection Product Development.”
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Each little critter (or not so little, compared to our domestic rats) is highly trained in carefully sniffing out the devices.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Training began in 2003 and 11 successful graduates made their way into the field starting in 2006.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Their slight bodies are perfect for moving across the dangerous land without setting off any explosives.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Founder Bart Weetjens was inspired by his childhood love of pet rats and observing how well their little noses sniffed things out.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Appropriately dubbed HeroRATs, they have also helped with detecting tuberculosis in Tanzania.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Out in the fields, they are rewarded with a banana treat each time they find a mine.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
Without these helpful guys, residents would still be waiting on clearance for much of the farming lands their communities rely on.
Getty Images / AFP / Stringer
(sources APOPO, Amusing Planet)
They clearly have the brains to back up those adorable faces. You can help the cuties continue their lifesaving efforts by heading to the APOPO website and adopting a HeroRAT for a monthly or annual donation.
