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HeroRATs Debut: Sniffing Out Danger at Sacramento Zoo
19 Aug
Summary
- African giant pouched rats are now at Sacramento Zoo.
- HeroRATs detect landmines, TB, and illegal wildlife products.
- A debut party is scheduled for August 20th at the zoo.
The Sacramento Zoo is now home to three African giant pouched rats, referred to as HeroRATs, trained by the Belgian nonprofit APOPO. These rats possess an exceptional sense of smell, enabling them to detect landmines, tuberculosis infections, and traces of trafficked wildlife products.
Their training includes identifying contraband such as pangolin scales, elephant ivory, and rhinoceros horn. The zoo has developed an interactive habitat to educate visitors about the illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts.
A debut party celebrating the HeroRATs is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20th. Attendees can witness live demonstrations showcasing the rats' scent-detection abilities at the zoo's amphitheater.
African giant pouched rats are native to sub-Saharan Africa, weighing around 2 to 3 pounds and living six to eight years. Their lightweight nature prevents them from triggering landmines, and they can screen large areas efficiently, making them valuable assets in detection work.
