APOPO
@herorats
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For +25 years we have tackled landmines and tuberculosis around the world using trained African giant pouched rats and other scent-detection animals.
Tanzania, Cambodia, Angola
Joined August 2009
Llewdrac started #training as a mine detection rat, but was reassigned to tuberculosis (TB) detection for being a slow walker. He's excelling! He learns the smell of TB-positive samples & the indication behavior (3s nose poke) needed to receive a reward. #newcareerpath #herorats
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With mixed feelings, we announce that PDSA Gold-medalist Magawa will be retiring this month. Although still in good health, he has reached a retirement age and is clearly starting to slow down. It is time. Thanks so much for supporting him!.Read more:
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Our #HeroRATs have a whole lot to say! This amazing guide to rat body language by Maija Karala helps interpret the messages our rats send us. ✨ . You can find it on Society6 by Studio Eem! . #ratbodylanguage #handyguide #sharing
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"When I pull this ball attached to my vest, you will hear a 'BEEP' sound to let you know that I detected pangolin scales!' . How cute is Wildlife detection rat Betty? 🐭 ❤️. #HeroRATs #SavePangolins #EndWildlifeCrime #ProtectBiodiversity
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HeroRAT 'walkies' - where we allow the rats to choose when and where to venture, so they build their confidence outside of their detection training sessions, ensuring they feel secure and focused when learning how to #savelives with their powerful nose.💫. #HeroRATs #APOPO
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It is with sadness we announce that Shuri, the much loved HeroRAT, passed away peacefully. We are bereft at the loss of our little hero but so grateful for the great work Shuri was able to do for the people of Angola. #restinpeace #loveandlight #heroesneverdie #neverforgotten
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Garden High Tea with Jerzy 🐭🌼. Happy #FullCheekFriday folks. Make it count!. #FCF #TGIF #fridayvibes #almostweekend #herorats #ratcommunity #APOPO
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One of the challenges of a #FullCheekFriday feast is racing siblings to reach the tastiest treats first. 😅.After a week of hard work getting socialized & learning to wear different harnesses, these HeroPUPs are really happy that the weekend is finally here! Have a great one! 🐭
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In the past month, #HeroRAT Ronin found 2 #landmines & 1 unexploded bomb, clearing 6,505 m² for #APOPO. His work enables safe land use. Ronin works 30 mins in the morning, and rests/plays well afterward. This balance maintains his effectiveness. #cambodia #savinglives #herorats
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HeroPUP Malaika digs in to her #FullCheekFriday treats in the lush garden! 💚🐭🌽. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Our small HeroRATs have a whole lot to say. This guide to rat body language is very helpful when interpreting the messages our rats send us. 😊🐭
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APOPO is training HeroRATs for Search & Rescue. The rats have a great sense of smell, and can move through small spaces to search for survivors. The basic behavioral sequence is: search for victim, pull ball to communicate victim has been found, then return to trainer for reward.
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Meet Ronin 🐭 He is a gentle landmine detection rat and loves shoulder rides. On the minefield, he is focused and hardworking. Based in Cambodia, Ronin safely sniffs out deadly explosives faster than conventional solutions. #herorats #APOPO #rats #minedetection #ratofthemonth
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We all need to protect ourselves from the sun. Our HeroRATs are nocturnal. We work with them in the early morning, apply sunscreen to bare ears and tails and stop before it gets hot. Here, a rat handler in Angola applies sunscreen to #HeroRAT Senzo's ears and tail before work.
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In rural #Cambodia, many people are farmers, using tractors, cows or buffaloes. These are heavy enough to trigger an anti-vehicle mine. Our APOPO HeroRAT Gladys found 2 anti-vehicle mines at Trapeang Plouh Village in Siem Reap province with her unique sense of smell! Way to go!
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Ah yes, dopamine release…. These six African giant pouched rat pups were brought to #APOPO by a kind rescuer. Estimated at about 4 weeks old we’re grateful for this opportunity to provide a safe haven and plenty of loving care. #grateful #ratpile #futureheroes #cutenessoverload
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Nothing beats a job well done! 🏆 HeroRAT Miriam correctly identified all 3 landmines in her 20-minute training session and each time she indicated by scratching at the surface of the ground, she heard a "CLICK", and received a tasty treat 🍌.#training #landmines #APOPO #herorats
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🕊️ Reflecting on the sad anniversary of Turkey's earthquake disaster, we stand in solidarity with survivors. Our hearts ache for those affected in Turkey & Syria. Grateful for support from partners as our Search & Rescue project develops. #APOPO #RescueRATs #RememberingTurkey
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Did you know that APOPO trains rats to detect more than #landmines and #tuberculosis?. Watch the video and learn more: . Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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Today is #MineAwarenessDay and also #WorldRatDay. Let's take a moment to honor our amazing HeroRATs and their vital contribution toward achieving a #MineFreeWorld.E ach year we use this opportunity to reflect on our work and celebrate our achievements:
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I really need a day between Saturday and Sunday. 😅. #HeroRATs #APOPO #StopMines #StopTB #SavingLives #Diversity #Innovation #SocialTransformation #Solidarity
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'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. and a tasty banana!' . Happy #FullCheekFriday from Izzy and HeroRAT Darwin 🐭🍌 . #herorats #FCF #DarwinApprovedScience #NoFoodWaste #WildlifeDetectionRat
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#FullCheekFriday — big smiles and even bigger cheeks! There's always room for more peanuts on #FCF! 🥜. Have a great weekend from trainer Ramadhani and Oppah the #HeroRAT! . #APOPO #HeroRATs #AfricanGiantPouchedRat #rats #weekend #weekendvibes
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HeroRAT Nina enjoys her sweet banana treat as trainer Charity proudly holds her. This shared moment highlights their bond and accomplishments, celebrating their teamwork. Happy #FullCheekFriday ❤️🍌. #APOPO #FCF #africangiantpouchedrat #weekend #weekendvibes
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#FullCheekFriday is a weekly highlight at #APOPO, an organization dedicated to training rats for life-saving missions. This week, we celebrate HeroRAT Daniel and his trainer Shilingi. #HeroRATs #africangiantpouchedrat #savinglives #FullCheekFriday #FCF #weekendvibes
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Full Cheek Friday with Trainer Pendo and HeroRAT Pacome 🍉🍌 – Pacome’s cheeks are full of watermelon and banana as he enjoys his well-deserved treat!. #APOPO #HeroRATs #apopoherorats #africangiantpouchedrat #rats #weekend #weekendvibes
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Putting a jacket on can be a slippery business. #HeroRATs start their training journey at around 5 weeks old with #socialization and #habituation. These pups are learning to wear harnesses in various sizes. Some take a little getting used to. 😅 . #harnessarat #amischiefofrats
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"Why rats?". - They have a highly-developed sense of smell.- They're very intelligent & easy to train.- They're too light to set off landmines.- They're locally sourced in Tanzania .- They're easily transferable between trainers.- They're easy to care for.- They live ±8 years
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Watermelon anyone? 🍉. Only the freshest for our #FullCheekFriday. Aryana the HeroRAT enjoys a whole slice of watermelon to herself.
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Rat trainer Bahati and HeroRAT Saka share a sweet banana moment. Happy #FullCheekFriday 🎉. Gotta love those #whiskers. #helloweekend #herorats #FCF #happinessisthreebananas
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Today is HeroRAT Baraka's 2nd birthday! 🎉 He did intensive mine detection rat training in Tanzania, passed accreditation tests, and is deployed to APOPO Mine Action in Angola. Wish this little hero a happy birthday: #HeroRATs #MineDetection #APOPO
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Today is Magawa's birthday! 🎂 . We can confirm that he is very much enjoying his retirement. 😃. You can wish him a happy birthday and send him some love, by leaving a comment and like below ❤️ 👇
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Pups Lois, Orpheus & Splinter head outside for today's #socialization session. The trainers gently watch over the 3 siblings who are eager to explore but are careful not to venture too far. They know & trust their humans & enjoy these sessions exploring the big world around them.
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Happiness is a handful of HeroRAT pups! . The first step to becoming a HeroRAT is “socialization”. APOPO handlers gently carry them around, introducing them to sights, smells, and sounds in their training environment. #helloworld #heropups #socialization #habituation #APOPO
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Tiny hero at rest: Even #HeroRATs need their beauty sleep! 🐭💤 . #sleepinghero #adorableRATnap #APOPO #rats #futureheroes #babyrats
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Our #HeroRATs are nocturnal. To minimize the effect of the sun, we train them in the cool, early morning hours. Here, one of our trainers warms up HeroRAT Maple before her session. #walkies #warmup #pretraining #animalheroes #APOPO
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Today is #WorldAnimalDay, let’s pay tribute to our HeroRATs, who for over 2 decades have worked tirelessly alongside us to protect people, livestock and wildlife from the threat of landmines and tuberculosis. You are truly amazing! 💙🐭🧡
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The first stage of #training 🐭⭐ At 5 weeks old, young #herorats are taken outdoors. Trainer 'Uncle Albert' reassures them while they explore their surroundings. After 10-15 minutes, they start to snooze & go back to mama for a nap. #APOPO #socialization #africangiantpouchedrats
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🌟 Happy #FullCheekyFriday! 🌟 . Oh Mirasol, our big bundle of cheek and mischief! With her shiny fur and twinkling eyes, Mirasol spreads happiness wherever she scurries. 🐭🎉 . #AfricanGiantPouchedRat #herorats #CheekPouches #FCF #APOPO #helloweekend
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Warning: Going to sleep on Sunday will cause Monday. 😴. #herorats #sleepysunday #restrecharge #herorats #APOPO
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The truth about sharing a bed. 😂😂😂 Our rats live in pairs (typically siblings) for as long as they are happy to be. Housing kennels are dimly lit & well-ventilated. Each home cage has a round clay pot & plenty of bedding to simulate a natural underground nest for cozy rest.
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Did you know that a #HeroRAT can fit a WHOLE banana 🍌in their cheeks with careful chewing and placement 😅. Last #FullCheekFriday of the year features Teddy and Chiquita - have an amazing weekend folks! New year's resolutions coming in hot. See you next year 💫🐭
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Excited to announce 15 precious additions to the HeroRATs family! ❤️ We stopped by to check on the pups and mamas; they are thriving. Patient, attentive and nurturing mothers like Haikaeli, Megan and Bonnie, positively impact the learning abilities and well-being of a litter.
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"Why do you use rats?". - They have an incredible sense of smell and are easy to train. - They're too light to trigger landmines. - They're easy to care for and live long: around 8 years. And they are very cute. 💙. #HeroRATs #ScentDetection #innovation #APOPO #SavingLives
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Not all #HeroRATs are the same. When young Lanner began to struggle in training, Dr. Cindy Fast gave him extra attention to build his confidence by allowing him to explore the world while getting comfortable in his harness. Lanner, you've got this!. #training #APOPO #futureheroes
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Today, 20 HeroRATs from APOPO's Training Center in Tanzania head to Cambodia. Each is placed in a specially designed crate for a safe journey, with their welfare monitored. These trained rats will clear landmines, making areas safer for communities. Safe travels,! 🌍✈️🌏🐭
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Carat bets you wish chubby cheeks looked this cute on you! 💛. HeroRAT Carat was named by our good friend Ann who chose the name Carat because she is worth her weight in gold! ✨ Thanks for visiting Ann!. #FullCheekFriday #weekendvibes #cheekpouches #herorats #FCF
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HeroRAT Lukaku wishes you all the lovely gifts of spring 🐣🐰💐 . Happy Easter to all those celebrating today!
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Stage 1 of #Training: Socialization & Habituation teaches #HeroRAT pups to trust humans and encourages their natural curiosity to explore new environments. #newbeginnings #herorats #exploring #curiosity
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The 1st stage of a HeroRAT's training is socialization to humans & habituation to various environments. Training begins when rat pups first open their eyes at 4 weeks. Uncle Albert introduces this group to the 'School Bus', which will take them to & from the training minefield.
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#HeroRAT Betty takes a nap as she waits. The rats are nocturnal, so they get some shuteye when not training. She's on the #APOPO Wildlife Detection team being trained to detect illegal wildlife products, eg. pangolin scales. #EndWildlifeCrime #ProtectBiodiversity @giz_gmbh
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🐭 + 🥑 = 💛. Our #HeroRATs are African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei). This large muroid rodent is native to #Tanzania. They are #omnivores & #nocturnal. They get their name from their cheek pouches used to store and carry food. Happy #FullCheekFriday from Jordan!
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Bananas. good to the last bite! 🐭🍌 . Happy #FullCheekFriday from trainer Charity and HeroRAT Silver 💛 .A weekend well spent brings a whole week of contentment. #helloweekend #fridayvibes #TGIF #FCF
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Today is #WorldAnimalDay, let’s pay tribute to our HeroRATs, who for over 25 years have worked tirelessly alongside us to protect people, livestock and wildlife from the threat of landmines and tuberculosis. You are truly amazing! 💙🐭🧡. #APOPO #ServiceAnimals #AnimalHeroes
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HeroRAT #Ronin found an Anti-Tank Mine today in a minefield in Preah Vihear province, #Cambodia. Had a tractor triggered the mine, it could have endangered the lives of everyone nearby. Swift action was taken, and the mine was safely disposed of. #APOPO #HeroRATs #SavingLives
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Handling a rat needs to be with a gentle touch. They need to feel comfortable and secure so are picked up in a way that supports their large frame, and are held close to the body with firm footing. HeroRATs respond better to confident handlers. 🐭: TB-detection rat Carolina
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A mine detection rat can check the area of a tennis court in just 30 minutes, a job that could take a deminer with a metal detector up to four days depending on how much scrap metal is lying around. Watch our video to discover how:
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Rats may have a bad reputation, but they're actually incredibly clean animals! They spend a significant amount of time grooming their fur and keeping themselves tidy. 🐭. #CleanAndCute
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Must. Eat. More. Banana. 🍌. Happy #FullCheekFriday from Travis 🐭 .Enjoy the weekend everyone! . #helloweekend #herorats #fcf
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After a relaxing weekend, curled up in our cosy home (pictured here dreaming of a heroic future), these mine detection HeroRATs-in-training are excited for Monday morning and a whole new week of searching for landmines at our training field in #Tanzania. #sundayvibes #herorats
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Rat trainer Amri and HeroRAT Clementina hanging out in the shade of the Eucalyptus. Enjoy the outdoors and open spaces today 💚🐭
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"From little acorns, grow mighty oaks.". These tiny pups are starting socialization and habituation into the human world. In around 9 months to a year they will be fully accredited #HeroRATs. 🤎. #africangiantpouchedrat #wecouldbeheroes #futureheroes #training
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Subbie loves a good #FullCheekFriday feast. Celebrate the weekend folks ☀️. #TGIF #FCF #weekendvibes #HeroRATs #helloweekend
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#HeroRATs housed together, enjoy time in the play enclosures together. Animal welfare is really important at #APOPO. Our animals receive scheduled time in large, shaded enclosures to engage in natural, active behavior as they explore, run, climb and play. #gym #playground
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Good Morning Sunshine 🌞. Have a restful Sunday everyone! 🐭🐭🐭. #HeroRATs #SleepySunday #WhiskersAndEars #GettingSomeRnR
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Our lovely HeroRATs sure have a lot to say. This guide to rat body language is very helpful when interpreting the messages our rats send us. 😊🐭
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Do you think that Alvia prefers 🥑or 🥜? . Happy #FullCheekFriday everyone!!. #helloweekend #fridayvibes #TGIF #FCF
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Happy #FullCheekFriday from HeroRAT Luca. Fun fact: This future Hero was named after Belgian World Snooker Champion Luca Brecel 🏆 . #FCF #Rats #CheekPouches #AnimalHeroes
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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. They have a highly developed sense of smell & are native to sub-Saharan Africa. #innovation #socialtransformation
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At around 5 weeks old, HeroPUPs begin “socialization and habituation” training. APOPO handlers gently carry them, introducing them to new people, sounds, places, to teach them about the training environment. Trainer Dibwe gently watches over 2 siblings. They know and trust him.
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🐭 HeroRAT Luca enjoying some downtime in our large, shaded enclosures in #Tanzania. Time to be a #rat and just explore, run, climb and play. ❤️. #herorats #animalwelfare #stayfit #workoutoftheday #APOPO
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#HeroRAT Sunday Plan: Sleep until I'm hungry and then eat until I'm sleepy. Wishing you all a restful Sunday!. #timelapse #dayofrest #herorats
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Hello Neighbor!. Scheduled exercise sessions in shaded, fun environments are vital for HeroRATs. These areas allow them to express their natural behavior while staying fit for their life-saving duties. Wire mesh barriers encourage safe interaction & exposure to new neighbors.
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Did you know that the African giant pouched rats are named so, thanks to their large cheek pouches? These omnivorous rats do not always swallow their food immediately - instead, they store it away in their pouches to feast on later. Happy #FullCheekFriday everyone! 🐭🥕🧡
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Step 3 of HeroRAT training: INDICATION - teaching the rat that it can make its trainer CLICK by touching the tea-egg containing the target scent (in this case TNT) and receive a tasty food reward!. #positivereinforcement #herorats #futureheroes #tanzania
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'Why does #APOPO use #herorats?'. - They have an amazing sense of smell.- They're very intelligent.- They're too light to set landmines.- They're locally sourced in Tanzania.- They're transferable between trainers.- They're easy to care for.- They live 8 years. #innovation
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“We do get attached to our rats, but when they pass their final test and get sent to an operational site, we feel happy because that is our goal.” . Uncle Albert, Rat Socializer Extraordinaire. #heropups #futureheroes #herorats
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Things are really getting serious on this end. Happy #FullCheekFriday from Doumbouya and his handler Senga 🥳 Make the weekend count!. #FCF #TGIF #herorats #weekendvibes
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It’s our favorite day of the week: Happy #FullCheekFriday little ones! 🐭💫. Have a great weekend folks! Stay warm out there 💛. #FCF #TGIF #HeroRATs #fullcheeks #futureheroes
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#APOPO is happy to announce another 12 precious additions to the HeroRAT family in the last week! ❤️🐭 The breeding program at APOPO’s Training & Research Center in #Tanzania was activated in preparation for program expansions. #babyboom #herorats #ratcommunity #futureheroes
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HeroRAT Enola in Angola is sniffing out danger and helping to make the world a safer place!
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Happiness is a sweet banana for a Hero. Happy #FullCheekFriday from trainer Gaspar and HeroRAT Eto'o 🥳🐭. #helloweekend #herorats #FCF #happinessiscontagious #TGIF
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Joining us today for #FullCheekFriday are Murat and Sefa from GEA, a Search and Rescue organization in Turkey. #GEA is collaborating with our #RescueRAT program to help prepare HeroRATs to locate trapped survivors in collapsed buildings. Happy #FCF everyone!
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'Why do you use rats?' is a question we're asked a lot. Well…. #herorats #APOPO #africangiantpouchedrats #cricetomysansorgei #tinybutmighty
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At around 4-5 weeks, the first step to becoming a HeroRAT is taken when the pups begin their 'Socialization & Habituation', it teaches the rats to trust humans and encourages their natural curiosity to explore new environments. #HeroRATs #Training #Innovation #ScentDetection
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African giant pouched rats have a very sensitive sense of smell. We found that #HeroRATs are capable of smelling explosives in picogram quantities. The equivalent to 1 trillionth of a gram of TNT! And from a distance of up to 1 meter. Infographic: © Kate Francis (Scholastic)
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