Our #rats are commonly referred to as African giant pouched rats, but we like to call them #HeroRATs! They have a long lifespan, averaging 8 years in captivity. Most other rat species have a life expectancy of just 2-3 years. This means that our rats have a long working career even after the 1 year of training needed for them to perform the job. Like most rodents, our rats have a highly developed sense of smell. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa meaning they are well adapted to the climates
0:25
Our #rats are commonly referred to as African giant pouched rats, but …
13.3K viewsApr 9, 2024
FacebookAPOPO
Rats get a bad rap. But African giant pouched rats, like Runa here, could change that. Known for their keen sense of smell, San Diego Zoo and others are training them to sniff out everything from landmines to illegally trafficked wildlife --- earning them the nickname "hero rats." | Pattrn
0:31
Rats get a bad rap. But African giant pouched rats, like Runa here, coul…
130.4K viewsJan 9, 2024
FacebookPattrn
African giant pouched rats are named for their large cheek pouches (like a hamster). These omnivorous rats do not always swallow their food immediately - instead, they store it away in their cheek pouches to feast on the goodies later. It's #FullCheekFriday – HeroRAT Maseko gets to stuff his pouches with a feast. 🐭 Enjoy the weekend everyone! 🥳 #FridayVibes #TGIF #FCF #GardenLunch | APOPO
0:50
African giant pouched rats are named for their large cheek pouch…
18.9K viewsApr 28, 2023
FacebookAPOPO
🧠 Did you know? In several African countries, giant pouched rats are being trained to detect tuberculosis (TB) through smell and taste! 🐀💨 These remarkable rats can identify TB-positive samples much faster than conventional lab tests — and at a fraction of the cost. Trained to sniff sputum samples, they recognize the unique odor produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Once they detect it, they pause over the infected sample to signal a positive case. 🔬 Studies show these “HeroRATs” can scree
1:00
🧠 Did you know? In several African countries, giant pouched rats are …
55.6K views6 months ago
FacebookMedical Microbiologist
They're known as 'hero rats' and for good reason. In Tanzania, African giant pouched rats are being trained to sniff out landmines, diseases and even humans buried under rubble. They have a highly sensitive sense of smell, which makes them invaluable during lifesaving missions. | AP
0:47
They're known as 'hero rats' and for good reason. In Tanzania, African …
13.7K views8 months ago
FacebookAP
East African savannah pouched rats arrive at Oregon Zoo
0:57
East African savannah pouched rats arrive at Oregon Zoo
7 months ago
MSNNewsflare
How to Care for a Pet Gambian Pouched Rat
How to Care for a Pet Gambian Pouched Rat
6 months ago
thesprucepets.com
2:56
Oregon's pouched rats are learning life-saving skills
7 months ago
MSNKTVB-TV Boise
0:34
The African giant pouched rat (aka HeroRAT) has distinct features. It …
18.4K viewsJan 14, 2024
FacebookAPOPO
0:56
Meet the tiny detectives tackling wildlife crime! 🕵️‍♂️🐾 🐀 African gian…
462.8K views8 months ago
FacebookWild Africa
0:04
This is Carolina, an African giant pouched rat who works for the no…
9.9K viewsMay 1, 2025
FacebookMaking Sense of Science
0:21
A tiny hero rat named Magawa, an African giant pouched rat trained …
330.9K views2 months ago
FacebookOur Blue Planet
0:10
How Giant African Rats Are Saving Lives in Former War Zones
May 4, 2018
WSJAlexandra Wexler
7:04
How giant African rats are helping uncover deadly land mines in Cam…
Sep 10, 2019
PBSFred de Sam Lazaro,Sarah Clune Hartman
2:27
Meet the Giant Rats That Are Sniffing out Landmines
Oct 7, 2015
National GeographicRachel A. Becker
Meet the giant rats fighting wildlife trafficking
Feb 12, 2025
mongabay.com
Giant rats will soon help Tanzania sniff out illegal wildlife trade
Feb 28, 2025
scroll.in
These Giant, Vest-Wearing Sniffer Rats Could Help Combat the Illega…
Oct 30, 2024
Smithsonian MagazineSarah Kuta
5:28
Rats Trained To Sniff Out Tuberculosis In Africa These Afric…
3.4K viewsJan 24, 2023
FacebookNews18
1:24
African pouched rats equipped with backpacks are being trained to loc…
39.3K viewsDec 4, 2023
FacebookNew Scientist
0:59
Giant rats wearing tiny high-tech backpacks are being trained for se…
29.7K viewsNov 10, 2022
FacebookVoice of America
Discover the 10 Largest Rats In the U.S. (And Where You Might Encou…
Jun 20, 2023
a-z-animals.com
0:45
The rat that clears minefields for peanuts
32.1K views2 months ago
YouTubeFauna Archives
0:14
🐭👃 African Giant Pouched Rat – This Nose Saves Lives🙏❤️ This is Lina…
267 views3 months ago
TikTokratocalypse
0:08
Hamster Ratte als Haustier: Alles, was du wissen musst
146.3K views2 months ago
TikTokdie_mit_der_ratte
1:05
Huge Rat. LOOK at the tail!! LONDON
891.7K viewsAug 25, 2020
YouTubeDarren
0:38
GIANT RAT caught by puppy in training in London street
434K viewsAug 15, 2012
YouTubeEnviron Pest Control
1:18
Gambian Pouched rat meets fancy rat
248.9K viewsJul 14, 2014
YouTubeMadison Blue
6:16
Giant Rats Are Sniffing Out Landmines and Tuberculosis
1.8M viewsNov 25, 2020
YouTubeVICE News
2:05
The giant rats sniffing out landmines in Tanzania
34.3K viewsMar 5, 2015
YouTubeGuardian News
See more videos
Static thumbnail place holder