Absolutely overwhelmed with the good deeds performed by this charity, its participants and its giant pouched rats!
The injuries avoided and the TB diagnosed are in the millions.
I support APOPO monthly by sponsoring Ronin, a HeroRat who detects mines. It's a wonderful charity which does a huge amount of good, not only by training and using rats to detect landmines, but also to detect TB in humans and now they are being trained to detect wildlife parts in order to make an impact on destroying the trade in wildlife body parts. The rats are looked after very well, which for me is very important. Dogs are now also involved in some of these activities. It is a really feel-good charity which does so much to help local populations to be safe and to thrive.
I run a charity group for kids from a remote West Australian school where we raise money to sponsor children in Cambodia. When I found out about APOPO, the kids couldn't wait to get on board. We now sponsor Ronin to clear land mines in Cambodia. We recently had a sausage sizzle to raise money for Ronin and our sponsor kids.
I sponsor Carolina, an amazing Apopo Hero Rat who sniffs samples to detect TB and, through her dedicated work, she not only helps individuals but also stops the spread of the disease. Apopo take great care of her and when she is not working, Carolina enjoys a normal, playful life. When she retires, Apopo will continue to care for her. I am sent monthly updates about Carolina’s progress and the fantastic results Apopo is achieving in several countries with their various projects. The organisation is indispensable.
I had the opportunity to visit the APOPO training center in Siem Reap in 2017. I was so impressed by these rats. When you tour around Cambodia, you see so many innocent people maimed and disfigured from mines. It is a shame there is no way to make the countries that planted them be responsible for clearing them out.
APOPO is literally doing life saving work for an area that most of the world just overlooks.
There are so many charities and NGO’s all around the world and it is impossible to know which ones are legitimate and, more importantly, which well-known names and major charities are not spending most of your donations on administration, salaries and expenses other than the target country/people. More importantly, few appreciate that many major well-known charities and NGO’s partner with autocratic governments and donations are diverted at the highest levels and never filter down or reach target groups.
It is to their credit and a huge advantage that APOPO send out detailed annual statements to donors, keep donors informed on a regular basis and donors can see exactly where their money is going and that it is being used wisely for legitimate breeding, training and nurturing of rats and dogs. There are, in fact, few charities that are as transparent as APOPO. They are well run, spend wisely and engage so thoroughly and professionally with their donors.
The photo of the mine rat in Aserbaijan really looks sad - a quite unhappy and unhealthy individual. What about their living conditions?
Apart from this, I admire and support your work (and visited you in Morogoro some years ago).
Kind regards
Rainer
I went to visit Cambodia last winter and came across APOPO and decided to take a tour and learn what they do. I was amazed and touched by their mission. I ended up "adopting" Ronin and it's great to get the newsletter to keep up to date about the successes that Ronin and APOPO are doing.
We visited APOPO when we were touring Cambodia a few years ago. We were so impressed with the work that is being done by these wonderful little rats. I wish everyone could hear about how they are helping humans in saving lives.
I have been a monthly contributor to Apopo for several years now. I applaud their innovative efforts to eliminate land mines, help to eliminate TB in the developing countries, and their other good work.
APOPO’s ground breaking work using rats to safely discover and dispose of unexploded mines and detect tuberculosis is saving lives and helping communities all over the world. They frequently complete projects way ahead of the estimated time. I am very happy to be supporting them.
Apopo is a loving, courageous and amazing organization! I love the newsletters with pictures of humans and large rats and dogs -- the animal kingdom -- working together to make the world safer and healthier. I love the fact that the Hero Rats are treated so well and loved by the people who work with them and care for them. In a world where there is so much suffering, Apopo is inspirational and gives me hope.
I met APOPO thanks to my daughter's insistence. She was very young, then, but she found it on socials, and said it was very interesting... So I accepted, and, by a very small sum, began "sponsoring" a female rat, Ikemba, until her sudden passing away. Then I was assigned to Shuri, and I followed 4 years of her progress... Until she retired. Now it's Baraka's time! It's interesting to know how they work, and how they change lives... We are not - usually - aware of this risk (unexploded mines or other), and this help to remind us of different living conditions in other part of the world.
Other Herorats save lives by smelling TBC... Their nose is fantastic!
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I like rodents very much... And when my daughter found Apopo, a charity that not only employs rats, making them useful and well-cared for, but - and that's amazing! - uses them for a very dangerous job, saving lives, both of bombs disposal engineers and of country people living near mined fields... I found it extraordinary. And if you think that research is more important... Other rats discover TBC from spit samples! So... every one has his/her own rat protector!
Apopo do an amazing job training HeroRats and dogs in locating mines, sniffing out tuberculosis and detecting illegal wildlife trafficking. What an inspirational nonprofit! I am always happy to donate to help this fantastic organisation.
Great work in landmine and tuberculosis detection! Spreading to other areas such as searching for illegal wildlife traffic. Really makes a difference at ground level. I’ve been lucky to visit the centre in Cambodia and now sponsor a tb detection rat.
Excellent, informative updates as well!
I first found out about Apopo when I was looking for a birthday present for my niece. That was 21 years ago. She is now a seasoned doctor and I have drawn the attention of adults and children, colleagues and the students I have taught, all over the World ,about the amazing and ever increasing range of work carried out by Apopo and the Herorats.
At the time, I sponsored Alan for a year and my niece received her newsletters and other information about Alan. and his activities I would love to know how many subsequent generations of working rats and pups are Alan's descendants. I may not be as active in financial support for Apopo as I would like, but I take every opportunity to spread the word about this amazing organisation, the Herorats and the dedicated staff who work as their carers and keepers. I have an ambition to visit Morogoro, and seeing Jane Goodall was there, Gombe too. Keep up the great work Apopo, keep those news letters coming so that we can all continue to spread the word.
Apopo is making a significant contribution to helping people to live and work where they have land. They give safety that allows chidren to roam free and go to school without worrying about becoming a land mine casualty. They utilize Hero rats and dogs to provide safety to people whose lives are restricted by land mines.
The work that APOPO does in clearing landmines from rural farmland is invaluable to local communities. Landmines are a scourge on so many landscapes in so many countries and APOPO is making a real difference.
I also support their tuberculosis detection program. It is shameful that TB still has such a hold on some areas of the world, but APOPO's program saves lives and families, and helps prevent the spread of TB even further.
We visited APOPO’s centre in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and were wowed by the innovative, life-saving work they do and the professionalism of their young staff. After an impressive mine-detecting demo by a HeroRat and an excellent presentation of the project data and costs, we decided to “adopt” Ronin for a year for US$800. He’s their most successful HeroRat in Cambodia. APOPO has been brilliant at donor follow-up, sending regular news about how Ronin’s demining work helped make land safe for rural communities, plus newsletters about APOPO’s work in ordnance clearance and TB detection in developing countries. Their honesty about the limitations (eg Ronin can’t work much in the rainy season) as well as his achievements adds to their credibility. APOPO also trains HeroDogs and plants trees. They prioritise their animals’ welfare and send them to a well-earned retirement at the end of their working lives. We’re happy to continue supporting a well-run nonprofit engaged in very worthwhile causes. (Their merch is also good quality - my husband bought an APOPO T-shirt that he loves to wear!)
Very happy to have discovered APOPO about a year and a half ago and to have the opportunity to support my 'adopted' Hero Rat Ronin. The organization is professional and world class in every way from financial transparency to how it presents itself to the public. Monthly newsletters keep the energy flowing in the right direction, and any questions emailed to the main office are answered quickly and directly. Without question APOPO is a positive force in the world and my support will continue far into the future.
I donate monthly by "adopting" a Hero rat. I love seeing pictures, and following my little Hero's progress, from his beginning training, now his first mine detected, so excited for him! It makes me feel good to be helping in a small way, but big impact on people's lives! This is a Great organization, easy to donate & good communication!!
APOPO is a great non-profit organization, but few people are aware of APOPO. They train rats and dogs to help detect and eradicate landmines, returning lands to tens and thousands of people.
I cannot think of a better way to support relief for people endangered by ignorant armies' widespread use of landmines.
I am very pleased to be a supporter of Apopo. I'm satisfied that their animals are very well-treated (they are definitely NOT harmed during landmine detection!) and they have clear goals and projects which address specific problems. When I first donated they were just doing landmine clearance and tuberculosis detection, but they have now expanded to search and rescue - I love the idea of a person buried underground being found by a rat with a backpack! Lately they have also started working on detection of illegally trafficked wildlife products. Rats are fabulous!
I look forward to reading APOPO's monthly newsletters in my inbox! They are full of interesting field stories and cute pictures, and feel informative and inspirational. The best next thing to being able to go and see their work in person for myself! (Which I would LOVE to do sometime! I'm so proud of 'my' HeroRAT that I sponsor and I have told many people about him and APOPO's great work!!)
My absolute favourite cause to give to. The charity gives great feedback on its work and its work is literally life saving. The idea behind the work they do is so low-tech, and it's incredibly pleasing to know good money is going after good!
I am so impressed every month I receive an update about the amazing work being done in mine clearing, tuberculosis detection, and so many more amazing things these rats can do.
APOPO's missions are as unique as their methods: using rats and dogs to detect landmines and TB. As relatively new donors, we're impressed with the exemplary transparency and communication APOPO provides. It's genuinely fun to watch the progress of our sponsored HeroRAT, Baraka, as he trains, and it's inspiring to read the stories of people whose lives have been improved — even saved — by the work of Baraka's predecessors. We look forward to learning more in the coming years.
I support APOPO buying its callender every year and providing other ad hoc donations.
The work done by Hero Rats is brilliant and I would love to see one brought to the UK to give demonstrations which would raise much needed funds.
As a nation of animal lovers this is virtually an untapped resource.
I would be pleased to support such a venture and could provide accomadtion to the team during their time in UK
Richard.
Wij zijn absoluut onder de indruk wat Apopo realiseert voor de gemeenschap. Dankzij al de herorats worden mensenlevens gered, zowel op gebied van gezondheid als op gebied van veiligheid!
I'm happy and proud to support Apopo, and I wish I could do more for them. It seems there are new ways emerging all the time to use animals' amazing senses, for serving humanity; and these animals are not exploited, but happy and well cared for. I wish Apopo the very best for the future.
Apopo has been one of my two favourite charities for about 15 years.
Apopo combines helping rural communities, training women, health support, ecology and the creative use of resources like the Herorats - and that in more and more countries. Following its progress over the years has made me feel part of a valuable and successful experience. My financial contribution has a real impact, it is changing many lives for the better. It deserves a wide generous financial support.
My friends at Apopo : I am proud of you. Keep the good work going.
Your fan B D from France
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Outstanding work concerning landmines/uxos.
Perfect care for the animals working in the field.
Great flow of information to the donors.
Thanks so much!
I believe these hero rats and dogs are performing miracles by detecting mines and diseases- this is why I’ve adopted a hero rat and a hero dog! May God keep these heroes safe!
Apopo are doing wonderful work in mine clearance (it's a scandal that this is necessary, but it is) and the rats are charming. TB detection is also important, though unlike land mines people can't be blamed for its existence. I give Apopo donations when I can, even though that is not very often. I'd like them to be recognized for all their hard work - humans and rats alike.
APOPO is a charity I am happy to donate to. Not only do they make the world a better place by clearing hidden landmines so that people can safely traverse the fields around them, they also reduce the chance of people unknowingly suffering from and spreading tuberculosis. APOPO's original ingenuity in thinking of using Gambian pouched rats and their amazing sense of smell for such disparate projects is amazing, as is the organization's obvious compassion for both the people they help and in their deep love in caring for the animals that perform these amazing services to mankind. APOPO's communications are top-notch...never too many bombarding you, never so few you forget about them. Short, succinct, packed full of useful and INTERESTING information instead of the annoying hard sell tactics you find in so many places. I look FORWARD to reading their informative emails when they arrive and often find myself making an extra donation because of their innovative and light-hearted fund-raising methods. (We have multiple plush "Hero Rats", have given romantic dinners to encourage their breeding program and have given multiple Hero Rats to first responders and others.
APOPO does amazing work. The work of clearing mines saves so many lives. And I love how they use smart adorable rats to help. Go APOPO and go hero rats!!
I had read about APOPO in the Belgian press a couple of years ago and when I found their branch in Angkor Wat by chance, I jumped at the chance to donate. It’s difficult to express how much of an impact they make in the world, especially at places where people already suffered so much. And it was surprising how clever those lovely rats are! I fell in love with the rats and APOPO and will gladly give up one hip expensive coffee for my monthly donation ❤️!
Apopo is an amazing charity. They do incredible work that really helps communities in poorer areas. Their work is vital and they really do a great job. I have been supporting them for many years now and they always send out useful informative newsletters with their latest news and projects they're working on.
One of the highlights of my trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia was visiting Apopo there. I watched a demonstration of the hero rats detecting TNT. The work Apopo is doing with these rats is amazing and life changing for the people whose land is cleared so they can once again farm and be safe. I adopted one of the rats and will continue to be a donor to this wonderful organization.
I am so happy to be a part of the donations to fund the life saving efforts of the hero rats. I have learned things I had never previously heard about. donating is a great way to discover new advances in how these wonderful rats can help humanity.
I can't get over what a win/win/win situation APOPO has created. It's a win for people living in areas with landmines or with high rates of tuberculosis, as the trained rats can detect these quickly, effectively, and without harm to themselves. It's a win for the rats as they have comfortable, enriched lives and eventually earn a full and lush retirement. It's a win for our relationship with nature and animals, working together to correct mistakes of the past. I'm so proud to support APOPO and tell friends and family about it every chance I get!
I had heard stories of rats being used in mine detection but I had no idea APOPO existed, or that they and canines were being used to detect disease and traffic led animal products.
Their organization is doing vital and humanitarian work in areas ravaged by war and poverty. I am a proud sponsor of a HEROrat and I urge everyone to give to this fantastic organization.
having worked with demilitarisation colleagues in the past in a human-rights context, your work holds a dear place in my heart and i rejoice in supporting you and the values you represent: thank you!
APOPO is an amazing organisation and as a volunteer (with other charitable experience) who has been involved for several years now, I can honestly say they are one of the best organisations I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I have found APOPO to be well organised as a charity, well run from a governance perspective and the financial and impact reporting is informative, transparent and well presented. The APOPO staff team are highly trained and highly skilled and very respectful to volunteers. APOPO's dedication and achievements deploying animal scent detection techniques to help locate landmines and detect TB is quite incredible. Of course you can't forget to acknowledge the efforts of HeroRATs and HeroDOGs who play a significant role in that too! I am very proud to be associated with APOPO directly and via its partner and UK registered charity APOPO UK in my volunteering capacity.
They do great work! Also very transparent with how their money is used and which projects they are working on!
I visited the Apopo center in Cambodia (March 2023).
Apopo delivers incredibly fantastic work. So horrifying to see how people still fall victim to landmines every day. Also very valuable commitment to TB detection given the rising resistance problem!
Love what these people do and of course the brave hero rats. Have been donating to Carolina and the running of this important charity has helped many people. Very happy and proud of everyone involved
I have kept pet rats and appreciated their intelligence, but APOPO has harnessed their ability to seek out landmines in many countries where they have been a threat for decades. Now these courageous little creatures and their handlers are going to Ukraine. APOPO acts where others just talk about what "should" be done. They train the Giant African Pouched Rats carefully from a young age to detect the mines, which can't harm them as they are too light to trigger the explosives. I always enjoy reading the stories and pictures posted by APOPO on Facebook.
Amazing work and efforts to make the world a better place!
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The best of the best. I can donate confidently, knowing that my money will be used wisely. The organization emphasizes ethical treatment to animals and environmental responsibility on top of the vital work they are doing.
This is a truly inspiring non-profit which is based on truly noble principles to overcome the terrible impact of war and disease by partnering people and HeroRats in a synergistic way that exploits neither. It's one of those truly inspiring ideas that gives me hope in so many ways: they are highly transparent in their operations with a proven record of using resources to bring the greatest benefit to where it is needed especially in training and deploying local people into a career rather than importing staff to deliver point solutions, they employ methods that treat animals with dignity and respect, they have a proven record of making safe large areas where the risk of mines and unexploded ordinance still exists long after fighting has ceased, they undertake their work safely for the benefit of people and animals alike and they are proving that they can detect TB in samples quickly and accurately where other testing methods have missed this fatal disease. In a world that can seem to be overwhelmed by problems APOPO is a fine example of how we can help make the world a better place.
A while ago I read a story how Apopo trains rats to find earthquake casualties. I was totally fascinated by this story about the rat and her handler. I checked them out and was amazed by the innovative idea of using rats to detect land mines and sniff tubercolosis. As a lawyer, part of my work are rights of disabled persons and a lot of disabilities can be avoided by clearing areas of landmines. Apopo is doing a great job de-mining areas, giving the land back to people and prevent death or severe injuries. Subsequently I adopted one of their rats, making sure the little guy gets his treats to be fit for his job sniffing landmines in Cambodia.
Review from Guidestar
I have been supporting this nonprofit for years, I am in awe of their work and dedication in making our world safer, both thanks to their TB prevention rats as well as their anti personal mine rats. Such a simple, low cost initiative that both saves lives, creates qualified local jobs and a sense of purpose for a community.
Very active and incredibly meaningful non-profit organization!
Plus, I like the social media presence a lot. Super cute and funny images/videos on the rodents. Keep up the good cause!
This charity is amazing. When I first heard about the work these hero rats are doing I wanted to donate immediately; finding land mines, detecting TB, and during all this they are saving countless lives. The organization takes such good care of them, on Sunday they rest in luxury…fresh fruits, play time, naps. During the week they are trained with kindness and they work! How wonderful this charity is!!!!
Wonderful organisation supporting life where it's mostly needed by clearing plots from landmines and by helping to detect tbc. All with trained rats. Great way of improving life!
I’ve followed and supported Apopo for some years now and think the work they do in clearing land mines absolutely critical for the communities they assist. Using the hero rats is so innovative abs means so many more communities are assisted due to the speed at which the rays work and the low cost of delivering the service. To be able to walk safely I. Your community to get to school, work, the market or farm the land give everyone in the community a chance..
I love your work to mine clearance. Sorry for m'y bad english, i'm French. I have two albinos rat of labo. They are very sensitiv and clever. Thanks !
Incredible cause and life changing endeavors to harness the extremely underrated power of these animals!
Love what they do and all the donation options available on their website! Seeing pictures of the animals is just the cutest.
I adopted a HeroRat a few years ago and in 2019 was lucky enough to visit the Apopo visitors centre in Siem Riep, Cambodia. The rats have done amazing work in clearing land of mines and other unexploded ordnance allowing people to return to farms and schools without fear of injury or death. Because of their weight, they do not activate the devices so there is no danger to yhe rats. They also have been trained to sniff out TB quickly and efficiently meaning infected people can get treatment and recover where otherwise they may have become seriously ill and infected others. The rats are treated extremely well both during and after their service. They are well fed, housed and get good veterinary care and are also looked after well when they retire. Not to mention they are unbelievably cute and adorable.
Last week I was at a rodent behaviour and management conference in Tanzania and finally got to achieve one of my dreams - visiting Apopo in Morogoro and meeting (and cuddling!) HeroRats. The organisation has always been dear to my heart and I have sponsored a HeroRat for around 10 years, so getting to hold Kennedy the retiree was incredible. All the staff I met were incredibly professional, and Lily was lovely and so helpful during the entire process. I was lucky enough to have a tour followed by a visit to the training site the next day. All this has made me even more convinced that Apopo is genuinely an incredible organisation worth supporting.
APOPO embodies the word "resourceful" by training rats to save lives. Their heroRATs, as they're called, detect hidden landmines and sniff out tuberculosis in Tanzania, Cambodia, and other locales. As a sponsor of Carolina, a TB-detection heroRAT, I have been impressed by APOPO's monthly impact reports on Carolina's progress at catching TB cases missed by village clinics, and I love their social media stories on all of the rats in their care. APOPO is making great strides in creating a safer world for us all. I heartily recommend them to everyone searching for a nonprofit to support.
I could talk about the great work that APOPO has done, clearing thousands of acres from landmines and saving countless lives, but you can read about that on their website.
My story is a little bit more personal. I am not a "high value" donor--just £9/month and sometimes it bounces. I don't actually care much about land mines or tuberculosis.
I interact with APOPO through their Facebook and Instagram pages. That's how I discovered them--my feeds are mostly about rats, so Meta served up an ad about rats.
I keep domestic rats (rattus norvegius)(sp?) and I consistently hear comments like "eww don't invite me over, I'll bring poison" or "oh nice my snake is hungry" or just the good old fashioned "kill it!"
But the more well known APOPO becomes, the more I get comments like "oh, rats can sniff out landmines, right?" or "oh they use rats for testing for TB, right?"
So my support for APOPO is purely selfish. Nonetheless, they respond to me on Facebook, personally. When I asked if the rats eat meat, they answered me and told me that they eat fish sometimes. So I asked if the fish could make an appearance at Full Cheek Friday, and the very next Friday there were dried fishes amongst the fruits.
I asked if we could have a Facebook group for those of us who adopted HeroRats. The group is quiet, but it exists.
Each time I ask a question, APOPO responds to me as if I am the most important diamond value donor. I feel like they genuinely care about me and are friends.
I said before that I don't actually care about landmines or TB. The thing is, though, because I feel like APOPO is a group of my friends who care about me, I can't help but care about their work - the things that matter to my friends also matter to me.
All that and I'm only a cheap donor who can barely afford to help... I'm not special. I'm not getting special treatment. So I can only assume that they treat all of their donors like this. And an organisation that cares that much about us, not just the corporate level mega donors, is really rare.
Wir sind Reise-Blogger und promoten die HERO-Rats mit einer Adoption, da wir die Arbeit für besonders wertvoll halten. Landminen und Krankheiten sind nicht nur in Afrika, sondern in allen Ländern der Welt ein Thema. Die zahlreichen Kriege auf dieser Welt hinterlassen Minen und Sprengmittel. Gefährdet sind Jahrzehnte nach einem Krieg Zivilisten, welche einfach nur spazieren gehen, Holz aus dem Wald holen oder Felder bestellen.
Nach wie vor ist TBC ein großes Problem. Die Ratten sind einfach schneller, als jedes Labor.
Apopo und die HERO-HELDEN sorgen für eine bessere Welt. Dort, wo Technik zu langsam ist, oder keine Infrastruktur vorhanden ist.
Wir haben als Spender den Eindruck, dass die Tiere sehr gut behandelt werden und nicht nur MIttel zum Zweck sind, sondern die Pfleger eine Beziehung zu jedem Tier haben. Apopos gibt auf den sozialen Medien wöchentliche Einblicke - auch hinter die Kulissen. Wir sehen Menschen, die für Ihre Arbeit brennen.
I support APOPO because I'm very fond of rats, but mostly because of the important work they do, a work that is constantly expanding.
While on that Charity of Awesome site, and as I was breaking up with Nanowrimo for good, I was happy to discover APOPO.
I love seeing all the video updates. I love all the educational materials. I love how Rats are being promoted for how awesome they are.
I've received wonderful products from this organization. My spouse loves the shirt I got him for Christmas.
Amazing not for profit organization. Low tech, low cost and locally delivered whilst being forever mindful of the care of their rat buddies and communities.
Constantly evolving and investigating new ways to use their team of rats for greater good.
Totally support this wonderful group of people and animals.
APOPO actively communicates with its donors on a scale that is impressive and truly engaging. It is clearly fostering a community of supporters, and works hard to ensure that they are aware of its activities and how their donations are used. The transparency and dedication is admirable and I am proud to be a donor.
I support APOPO unconditionally. APOPO's work is with a long term view and always with the communities they are serving at the centre. It's work is science-based and truly groundbreaking. APOPO'S marketing and communications are measured and serious. Besides all that, the pouched rats are just magnificent, soft, furry creatures! Please try and give to APOPO
After learning about Apopo’s amazing work using trained rats to detect landmines, I became a cheerleader for this worthy organization. Folks in the West may not appreciate the ongoing devastation wars from long ago continue to inflict on innocent people around the globe - yes, even now in 2022, landmines are a HUGE threat to life, limb, livestock, livelihoods, peace of mind!
Apopo is helping rid the world of these horrific remnants of conflicts past by using rats to sniff and detect so deminers can remove and detonate. This photo of wooden prosthetic legs provided to victims of landmines is from Laos.
I dream of a day when Apopo’s rats are happily retired, living out their days eating bananas, because the world is at long last mine-free…
After hearing about APOPO I started to read about the capabilities of the rat species they train for land mine searching. It's a remarkable creature and not just in its scenting capacity but also in how it socializes readily to people. It's a brilliant solution to a grave problem. The workers are commendable for their attention to care for the rats. All in all an excellent organization.
The HeroRats do good on so many levels.
They clear landmines, thus removing serious danger for animals and people alike.
This clears land for farming.
Further they detect tuberculosis, which helps the patient, and prevents further infections.
(And that doesn't cover all they do)
They use an indigenous species, reducing need for (expensive) imports.
Just the opposite, they export their knowledge and help others.
All of this provides local employment.
And they show how useful animals that most people disregard as 'pests' can be, improving respect for all creatures.
On top of all of this, the rats are treated very well.
And as a patron, I get regular info, allowing me to follow the 'career' of the rats I adopted.
All in all a top example for how homegrown solutions can be sustainable, good for the local community, create a positive feedback, and be kind and respectful for the animal partners.
I've been supporting them for decades, and never regretted it.
These guys are awesome, with the help of their cute ratties they save a lot of people lives sniffing landmines.
Went on a tour of the Hero Rats complex while in Siem Reap last month and the staff were so passionate and knowledgeable, the rats themselves so cute and clever (bonus was getting to hold one, didn’t think that would be on the tour!), feel very privileged to learn firsthand the life changing work that Apopo does
I had a brilliant time at the visitor centre in Siem Reap a couple of years ago. You get a great insight into the work everyone is doing to prevent further casualties. Incredible work from everyone involved, including the cute rats. I highly recommend and would love to return one day.
They are the best! I got a shirt when one of the senior rats passed and attended this “birthday celebration” online. There were speakers explaining the process as well. It’s just such an incredible organization and you can tell they love the rats and working with them.
These folks are saving lives. Unless you have been to Africa and seen, with your own eyes, the conditions that they are working to alleviate, you cannot fully appreciate how incredible APOPO is.
This organization is amazing! It is so great that rats are, once again, helping the human race. Rats are so smart and social, and it's great to see that they are being trained to save lives and help detect illegal animals being smuggled too.
I've been a supporter of Hero Rats since nearly the beginning! They're doing amazing work that is truly helping people.
The landmine removal is great, but the thing that impresses me even more is how they're able to test for TB so quickly and in a much larger volume than human testing. Let alone all the other things these amazing rats are working towards!
Definitely worth supporting!
This organization is doing amazing, life-saving work! The animals are born, raised, trained and work under the care and guidance of loving staff. I admit that I was skeptical when I first saw an article about APOPO's work with rats to detect land mines and positive tuberculosis sputum samples. After more reading I became a supporter and even 'adopted' one of the land mine detection rats. This a most worthwhile cause and its dedicated staff and working animals deserve all of the support that we can muster!
Love everything about Herorats!!!! I love everything about how the rats are cared for, respected, and are actual HEROES too for saving peoples lives. The rats are actually putting THEIR OWN LIVES in danger to detect land mines. It’s truly amazing and they are more than just hero’s, they have incredibly important jobs, and should always be respected.
Amazing work done by the wonderful rats and their trainers! I hope their work continues for long as does well-being of both
Fantastic work to improve the quality of life and safety of communities plagued with land mines and tuberculosis. The Herorats are definitely heroes.
They are doing such good, important work! Also, their social media posts always brighten my day, their email updates are interesting, informative, and fun, and they never spam me. Live them!
APOPO is doing vital work globally through landline removal and TBtesting. At a time when war and violence seem to be winning they are making a difference in ordinary lives. They treat the Gambian Pouched Rats ethically and employee local people. They support other similar initiatives. They are making a difference.
I just love seeing how beautiful the relationship is between the herorats and their trainers. This is the way all working animals should be treated - with love and respect. APOPO sets the bar really high and is the standard by which all companies that work with animals should strive to meet
I have supported them for a long time. It's so cool to see an animal - a rat! - that most people don't like, trained to save humans.
RatHero is such an ingenious and important nonprofit. They’re literally saving lives through the natural cleverness of rats and the tireless dedication of the team who cares for them.
APOPO and it’s amazing team of Hero Rats do outstanding work that deserves even greater awareness. Such an innovative approach to carrying out this crucial work.
I don't have a personal story but have been reading about APOPO's work for a few years now. They are incredible and their work is saving lives. All thanks to the amazing rats and the people of APOPO!
APOPO gives me hope that the world really will get better. Their devotion to the safety of others is unstoppable.
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APOPO has done so much, with literally so little: little animals, that is!
(TBF, their pouched rats are big for their type of rat, but you get what I mean.)
Both with mine and TB detection, APOPO has saved goodness knows how many lives-- and will continue to do so, as long as we continue to stand by them.
APOPO are very good at keeping doners up to date with high quality material - and what they do is just super important
I visited the center in Siem Reap in 2019 and met the trainers and one of the rats. The work they do is incredible and I will continue to support.
I don’t personally know you or the hero rats, but I love what you do and that you employ the rats, which most people malign. Rats are smart and I’m glad they are getting a brake and are heros. Thank you for what you do❣️ I hope you get your much deserved rating.
Apopo does such important, effective work in demining and tuberculosis and they take such good care of their animal partners. They also provide excellent education for donors and the public about their projects and model, and offer entertaining images (we love Full Cheek Friday on social media!). Please keep it up, we are donors for life!
For my son’s birthday his friend’s all chipped in and donated a rat for him!!! This non-profit insured these kids to research, ask questions, and gain knowledge and perspective for the lives of others❤️ And then they left their support. Many still follow the Hero Rats today…some 11 years later❤️
Very ingenious idea to use very lightweight, trainable rats as detectors. They can easily alert handlers while keeping the humans living nearby safe
Animals and humans coming together for the greater good. The rats help save lives and the humans treat the rats very well. Definitely my favorite charity
I have been sponsoring a HeroRat and donating for almost three years.
Their work in so many arenas is extraordinary, and they provide clear information about how donations are allocated.
I love what these guys do - such a good idea and a wonderful cause. I sponsor a hero rat called Ronin and the updates they send are so precious. You can tell they really take good care of the hero rats!
Living in a conflict zone in which there are a lot of unexploded bombs and IEDs, I can attest to the importance of APOPO'S work. Every defused bomb is a life or limb saved.
These little guys (and their human helpers) so one of the best jobs in the whole world! Saving THOUSANDS of lives and turning on its head, the bad myth that rats are just vermin. They are all super-heroes and deserve every accolade, award and commendation going!
I love the hero rats! I “adopted” a rat for my birthday and it was such a delightful gift. Keep up the amazing work APOPO!
What a fantastic charity - love what they do and how much they love and care for their furry workers
I am adopted from Cambodia and now live in England. I have watched Cambodia grow with the help of Apopo eats. I have visited Apopo in Siem Reap and this non-profit charity deserves much more than just recognition.
Excellent work by the rats and the organization not just for land mines but TB as well. Love this organization and what they have achieved this far and hoping to in the future.
I've been making a monthly donation for a couple of years and am always heartened by the great work the HeroRats are doing & proud to sponsor their efforts.
This organization trains animals to save people's lives by detecting dangerous diseases and landmines--well worth supporting!
APOPO ist eine Organisation, die Menschenleben rettet. Die Minenspürratten und Ratten, die TBC erschnüffeln können sowie die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter bei APOPO leisten eine sehr wichtige Arbeit, die ich gerne unterstütze.
This is an excellent charity. Their mission is beautiful and they actually make it a reality. Plus, the rats are super cute!
I adopted a rat several months ago and love getting the updates about all of the rats and their hard work saving people from hidden mines. Amazing organization.
LOVE APOPO!! Their belief and hard work in a system that helps so many, is one of my favorite organizations.
Brilliant charity that helps clear landmines. Which is such an important job to help save citizens in countries where they still are in the ground from disabilities caused by landmines
I adopted one of their HeroRATS some time ago now and receive regular reports on the work she is doing. I enjoy reading their posts and. seeing the photos of all the HeroRATS (the demining ones and those detecting TB). The work they do is important - who would have ever believed that an animal so small could be trained to do such great work? It is definitely one of the best NGOs I support - keep up the good work APOPO (and especially Shuri)
Remarkable work. One of a kind organization improving the world one hero rat at a time. I am proud to support APOPO & it's work.
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I've been a supporter of Apopo for many years. Their work clearing mines & detecting TB revolutionary & astonishing. What an amazing organization!
I think APOPO is doing amazing work by using animals like rodents, which are generally seen as pests, to raise awareness about leftover minefields and help the residents no longer live in fear
Fantastic charity through which my children sponsor a HeroRat each. We receive regular updates on the rats which we really enjoy reading
I absolutely love APOPO and the HEROrats! The rats and their trainers really are true heroes. They are so brave, intelligent and hard working. The work they do is amazing, helping so many communities and saving so many lives. It makes me proud to know that I can help them by donating to their organization whenever I can.
APOPO has, and continues, to do amazing work clearing landmines and detecting TB. APOPO employs people from the regions that they are serving, thus creating jobs for the regions as well. By filling these positions with people where the work is being done they are ensuring that the needs of the people are being met. Furthermore, APOPO has been branching out to train rats to sniff out critically endangered pangolins to help address poaching in various regions as well. They are an amazing non-profit filled with wonderful people and I hope to see them continue their good work for many, many more years to come.
Apopo is, to me, a very amazing organisation because of what it does and how they train such a small animal to make such a big difference in this world. I've visited the apopo in Morogoro (Tanzania ) ,and it was very fascinating to see and learn how they trained the rats and the whole process they went through until the rats can finally go abroad and detect real mines and tuberculosis.
This is a remarkable organisation working closely with nature to undo man’s most vicious legacies. These heroes are not only well trained but are nurtured and cherished, and their work saves lives and livelihoods every day. I have had the privilege of visiting them in Cambodia and seeing the huge benefit of the work they do.
Diverse and still connected.
This is a charity that truly exceeds the expectations of what they offer. APOPO saves lives and takes such good care of the rats that serve them. A charity that serves to discover landmines, and tuberculosis. Now being used for search and rescue.
I learned about this organization via a TV show and think they do such a wonderful service and in such a smart way!
Rats are such intelligent beings and finally this is their time to shine. Bravo little hero’s and their handlers. Apopo is an innovative and amazing organization.
The amazing work done by this charity just astounds me. Every story of the apopo rats doing heroic work raises the profile of animals and just how incredible they are. I love this charity.
APOPO is doing extremely vital work to save lives. While doing so, they are also removing much of the stigma surrounding rats by showing how intelligent and affectionate they can be.
I commend their efforts for change and safety. I love to see the good the rats are doing and I hope to see this organization gain more exposure for the good they are doing in helping to save lives.
I think they do an amazing job saving lives, and the rats are so cute and clever, well trained and well cared for. I love hearing all the stories and seeing the photos that are posted, especially the rat artists!
They do amazing work and show a lot along the way. There is lots and lots information to find on their website and how they help and hiw we can help them help others.
I greatly admire the work that APOPO is doing, and their excellent care and treatment of their service animals.
I love rodents (small mammal biologist) and i love how APOPO showcases rats in a positive light. These trained rats can do such wonderful things for people and for the image of their order. I have donated many times to help the work that they do and also in honor of other people. Sometimes people who are scared of rodents.
Love what they do and how they’re helping. I believe in their mission and will continue to support them as long as I am able to.
An amazing nonprofit that shoes the smallest creature can make a difference. Lots of love to all these incredibly smart, sweet, and heroic rats and all the folks that love and care for them!
A wonderful cause that uses a non-traditional (and very cute!) solution to help solve very important problems.
Wonderfully transparent about the scientifically and ethically supported training techniques used, doing great work.
Adopted heroes for my daughter, niece & nephew, which is a lovely way of introducing young children to donating in order to help others. They can relate to the furry heroes & the story line is simple to explain. Also, they loved the regular update about ‚their‘ animal.
APOPO is doing work no other non-profit is currently doing, or could ever achieve. They are irreplaceable.
I have seen first hand what the damage mines can do and what it’s like living in an area where there may be mines. That’s why I started to support Apopo. I love the Herorat scheme. So clever, so cost effective, so efficient. My first rat has retired and I’m now supporting a second one.
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I don’t quite remember when I started supporting the HeroRats but it was many years ago now. Later, I went to work in Tanzania and I arranged to visit their training site in Morogoro. Amazing animals and amazing people working with them.
The reason I am interested in them is from my visits to Cambodia, having seen the damage a mine can do to a person and having walked in areas with mine warning signs. I realised just how difficult it is for people living in those areas not to be able to cultivate that land and how tempting it must be to try. Now the HeroRats are making those areas safe. It’s fantastic work!
I love Apopo and what they stand for. Their impact has been amazing and I wish I can support them more than I have!
I have not personally dealt with this nonprofit. I love in America. Specifically in Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. People here have no concept of land mines. Just in the movies. I don’t donate to anything here. The intended recipient never gets the money. Business owners and politicians keep most of it. But when I saw a show about these rats, I had to donate. And I fully believe all the participants in this endeavor are committed to helping people and committed to the rats health and happiness. I love this story. I sponsored 2 rats and bought my own plush HeroRat. I love you guys. I really do hope you run out of work to do soon though. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I had the opportunity to visit Apopo operations in Morogoro and I was stunned by the wonderful work this organization is doing, not only by making the world a more peaceful place, but also supporting the local community and empowering women. I became a supporter ever since.
I’ve had a sponsored rat from Apopo for over 2 years and I love their organization. They’re doing amazing things and training my favorite animals to be heroes!
I am so happy to support a nonprofit that uses rats to save lives. I chose to "adopt" a rat that can detect tuberculosis.
I used to work for GlobalGiving.com and I had the privilege of hosting Bart Weetjens in Washington DC so he could give a talk about his work. I have supported APOPO and HeroRATs since 2009. I love your work!
APOPO is doing an amazing job bringing people and animals closer to each other and helping to get rid of landmines and tuberculosis in the poorest regions in the world.
I"ve been an adopter for years and love every minute of it. I love the work they do, and all the updates I get on my rats!
I am a vet nurse and always use Apopo's work with pouched rats to win over parents who are reluctant to let their children have a pet rat! I use it to point out how smart rats are and how they are saving lives, they should get the same respect as police sniffer dogs. Wearing my Apopo T-shirt I get lots of people asking about the charity, I wish more people knew about the amazing work Apopo do.
They do excellent work for mankind, AND they are an ethical and humane org that treats their animals helpers with lots of respect and love.
Such a wonderful charity, giving the rats purpose and also a fantastic life. They are so well cared for as they put their training to good use to sniff out landmines and TB. Total heroes xxx
Visited here last year and glad I did the work they do is just beyond amazing. We were shown how they train the rats just brilliant. Were gonna visit again this year
If you want to learn about the positive change happening in Cambodia, nd watch African rats detecting landmines (!) the apopo centre is a must-visit stop on your way back from Angkor Wat!
My daughter and I were amazed at what this charity is achieving. What a great bunch of people working hard to make the land safer for families. We ended up sponsoring a rat for a year to help achieve a mine free Cambodia.
Unique charity that trains rats to detect mines and also TB! For a relatively small amount of money per month you can sponsor a named hero rat and get regular updates on their progress. Many of the countries involved have been left with fields full of unexplored ordnance that endangers the local population. The hero rats are too light to set off the mines. Their sensitive noses are also invaluable for detecting TB in sputum samples. The rats are well cared for and like other service animals seem to enjoy their work. I have only good things to say...a unique way to tackle two problems that have a devastating impact on communities...go on sponsor a hero
Brilliant all the way.
Apopo's HeroRats programme is one of the best-run, best-presented, most friendly and informative charity ventures I've ever seen. Besides keeping up their vital work in detecting landmines and tuberculosis, they keep their donors involved, informed and entertained. I recommend them without reservation.
I came across APOPO during my work for the EVPA and got to know them as very focussed, sustainable and very keen on monitoring results and constantly improving their work. Great, reliable organisation!
APOPO is an awesome organization doing great work that is innovative and fascinating. Their commitment to educating people about their positive impact on the world is commendable.
An organisation, whose members do a very great job! Not only the human members, also these hero-rats ... they can smell tuberculosis quite faster then the machines und they detect the mines, so that the humans can clear off, and the local african inhabitants are able to gain back their important land for their nutrition.
They are doing a real precious work of development of poor world countries, which I find the same important as doing something for our all environment and climate.
I love to donate at them. And for Christmas, I bought every year their presents for my family, like "clearing 30 ft land of mines" or "support the education of an hero-rat". Thanks they exist!
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I first became aware of APOPO when searching the internet for information on Gambian pouched rats. My 11 year old son is a massive fan of rats and we’d previously had pet rats. As we weren’t in a position to get pouched rats as pets we sponsored two with APOPO. The children both got a great welcome pack with lots of information on their sponsored rats. We get regular updates via email and I follow APOPO on Facebook & Twitter. I think that they are a fantastic charity who do extremely worthwhile work.
Apopo Herorats is a wonderful nonprofit...many charities operate under very large umbrellas, but I love that Apopo is and has continuously been very focused on their own unique initiatives, which is using trained "hero" rats (African giant-pouched rats) to detect landmines (without hurting the rats!) and to detect TB in tissue samples. Studies have found the rats to be more effective that many others methods in both of these endeavors, and so the charity powerfully leverages the very unique capabilities of the animals, in a way that also shows a genuine commitment to the animals and their well-being. Apopo has a strong presence on their social media profiles and maintains a strong connections to their donors, highlighting both the personalities and "adventures" of their hero rats, as well as their achievements in helping people and communities around the world.
Apopo works diligently to better the lives of so many people and those adorable rats. I am a long time supporter and appreciate the way their team communicates how their funds are being used. I always learn something new when I read their posts and newsletter. This is a great organization that deserves the recognition. Thank you, Apopo, for all you do!
This organisation is one of the most important peacemaker ever.
I'll do my best to support them to make a change.
I support Apopo because I think their work is of critical importance and value for local communities. I am happy each time I read about land freed from landmines and returned to the people.
Their TB detection unit is saving lives of thousands of people.
And last but not least, they are extremely careful about their rats and their wellbeing.
I heard about this charity because a friend had a pouchie. They are helping rid the world of landmines, and are also doing very interesting work on TB detection.
APOPO is one of those charities which gives so much for so little. To think that little old rats could trained to save so many lives. The administrative staff have been so helpful too when I’ve been in contact. Just fantastic!
Amazing innovative informative charity. How wonderful to be pioneering life saving solutions using the wonderful intelligent Gambian rats
We have supported HeroRats for many years now, with a small monthly donation. They‘re doing great work - diligently, with stealth and enthusiasm.
They make our world a better place. Thank you.
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Brilliant idea, wonderfully executed. They save lives, they save money, they train animals (good for animals and people). I am really impressed by this group!
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I first heard about this idea of rats sniffing land mines from my friend : colleague at work. She received the donation as a Christmas present. Since that moment I couldn’t get it out of my head and started searching for it. I found APOPO and immediately fell in love with the idea of being an adoptive parent of this smart little creature :) I also gave it to my boyfriend as a Christmas present so the happiness doubled. Since then we both have been following APOPO’s great work and deployment, it is really something admirable. Keep it up!
I am inspired by APOPO's innovative approach - using rats! It's so great to see how this creativity can contribute to solving the terrible problems of landmines and TB in Africa and Asia. Anyone who is interested in / concerned about how the rats are raised and trained should have a look at the website for more information about how well-cared for they are - and of course their amazing work. Heroes indeed.
My favourite charity! The approach to mine and tuberculosis detection is so creative, effective and efficient. Good luck my 4 and 2 legged friends
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This charity combines an ingenious idea with an excellent execution : to use small, easy to train and transport rats -that are much maligned in many societies- to sniff out landmines and diseases like TB. It delivers high value to local communities as it liberates mine infested farmland and roads and also creates local jobs working with the organization. It saves many lives. It opens perspectives in rural communities.
Hands down APOPO is my favorite charity. They train Hero Rats to sniff out dangerous landmines. By utilizing the teamwork between these smart rodents and their handlers, APOPO saves lives.
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Fear sees rats as the enemy. Love sees rats as companions. APOPO sees rats as heroes. Any organization that can help change people's perceptions of rats gets my vote!
Their adoption system is very nice and gives donors a sense of involvement. The idea of using these rats is generally great and a cost effective way to do a much needed job.
My daughter found this charity on internet, and she decided to sponsor a HEROrat. As she likes to say, this is a winning idea on many fronts: most important, it saves lives, either by "sniffing" TBC or bombs (and not risking the rat's one!). Then, it creates jobs for those who train rats, and care for them; and, as a side effect, it is a way to rehab rats! And all this in the same project!!! I always liked little mice, and I am very happy that this way many people get to know them and appreciate!
I am a veteran of our Vietnam war. I feel deeply that we put civilian lives in danger for generations and that we all must support the work to remove these explosives.
Herorats do extraordinary work with a humble approach and phenomenally wide impacts. Cultural norms dismiss rats but their work illustrates their value and the strength of overcoming such cultural norms. The trainers are heroic too.
Apopo has done great work in Mozambique and Cambodia clearing mines and has also been highly effective in training rats to detect tuberculosis.
Great results with limited resources. Very effective and helping people every day by removing mines in war-torn areas.
These people are doing such good work. These animals are so amazing. Not only able to sniff out landmines but also able to detect TB.
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Apopo is inspiring in so many ways; the integration of biology, conservation, humanitarianism, poverty reduction, and ecologically-minded solutions to man-made problems combine to create an organization to which I am genuinely proud to call myself a donor. I am eager to see where these miraculous rats and their tireless, dedicated trainers will go in the future, and feel privileged to be a small part in their journey as they work to make the world a better place. Apopo is really an organization that makes me see how great humans are capable of being. ...plus, those rats: how cute are they?!
These selfless volunteers go way beyond what is normal in an effort to train these hero rats to detect landmines.
Rats for centuries have been misunderstood. It's beautiful to see these wonderful people working together with rats to help others abd save lives!! I support this company and everything they do to help others.
They do amazing work helping thousands of people by detecting landlines and helping detect TB! They deserve the world! They're all amazing human being and rats!
APOPO is making waves in Cambodia, where the clearing of landmines is incredibly important. Important work, done effectively, affordably and creatively. Love it.
Rats are amazing creatures and Apopo's track record speaks for itself. This organization is saving lives and helping rebuild war torn countries - what better cause is there? :)
It's very hard to choose which non-profit organisation to donate to - they are all very worthy. But as a lover of rats and someone who wants to support the health and happiness of other people; I couldn't look past the HeroRats!
I adopted a rat for my mother-law (it certainly wasn't expensive in AUD), and APOPO sent her a beautiful digital adoption pack and information about how her rat, and his handler are working to seek out land mines in rural areas of South East Asia. They also work in Africa and and the Middle East.
I was also amazed at their ability to sniff out tuberculosis infections faster, cheaper and more accurate than a standard lab test - perfect for poorer communities! They also employ local staff, thus helping the economy and giving people a chance at a career.
They have a user friendly webpage, Facebook page and a smooth donation process, with all the organisation's information so you know you're donating to a real cause.
Obviously you should always look to help as many non-profits as you can, but for something that's less known and is having a major positive impact on the lives of humans and animals, I suggest APOPO HerRats!
Absolutely amazing! Saving lives and giving a special species the opportunity to be the hero instead of the usual but mistaken villain!!! I love everything about this nonprofit. It is a winner all around!
Great organization that does wonderful work, takes good care of their rattie wards and I encourage my colleagues in animal welfare to support them
I'm astounded by how much good they get done with every dollar. The rats are smart, and the people extra smart for seeing their potential.
This charity has changed thousands of lives, at the heart of it all are these underrated animals that many people call vermin. I am a loyal donor, I make and sell pet rat beds and send in my profit. More people in the world need to be aware of Alpopo.
Who are Hero Rats? "They are small but they are mighty...saving the humans from themselves"... I found out about Apopo Hero Rats when this peppy video showed up on my social media radar. The video's catchy lyrics by Perry Gripp and images the Apopo Hero Rats teams doing good works in much needed ways inspired me to learn more about the charity. Over the years, I went from just a fan, to a Hero Rat annual sponsor. This group is a reminder that when even the small and overlooked among us apply ourselves.... we can all make a big difference. Knowing that Apopo provides good jobs in faraway places... and helps make better communities for neighbors in need... makes it easy to want to share their story with others, and get involved personally to help them and their cause. "Give a cheer for the Hero Rats".
Apopo works with much maligned rats to diagnose tuberculosis and sniff out land mines. It is amazing and life-saving work. Rats also get a chance to show they are like any other animals and that they have good traits. Lives have been saved and tuberculosis is being diagnosed and treated sooner than was previously possible.
Rats make fantastic pets but Apopo are proving they can be incredible life savers too - sniffing out disease and landmines to make people healthier and safer - it's like a Hollywood movie script! These gorgeous little creatures are out there saving lives every day and deserve all the recognition and respect due to them.
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I've been following and financially supporting APOPO for 4-5 years now. I have found it to be an outstanding charity, run well and in a cost-effective manner, and one that delivers tremendous improvements in the quality of life for the areas the rats help de-mine. Their ongoing work with TB detection promises tremendous improvements in early detection of this disease as well, as the HeroRats are both more accurate than humans and much faster as well. APOPO cares about its animals and uses them to do good in the world - what more can you say about a charity that is even giving rats a good name?
I'm a rat owner for about 20 years now and I'm very enthusiastic about this hero rats because they safe so much lifes with only their sense of smell! Besides the workers/trainers seem to treat the rats very good. I just love it
It's easy for those with the good fortune not to have been born in a war zone to ignore problems like land mines, which can kill or maim people for decades to come and render areas of land unusable to the rural poor. APOPO not only works to remove these unexploded munitions in a safe and efficient manner, but has also raised awareness of this cause through their online presence, capturing hearts and imaginations with a unique approach to the problem- training sociable giant rats to sniff out the mines for their human handlers.
The rats are important for all humanity and APOPO's HeroRats is a beautiful example.
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I love the work the rats do. It's a simple way to clean the mine fields with this lovely and inteligent animals
Contributing to APOPO has been an amazing experience. In addition to the great work that they do, they are communicative about their process and stay in constant contact about the progress of their projects. I have greatly enjoyed keeping up up with the rats I've adopted and highly recommend the experience.
The work Apopo do with their rats is amazing, literally saving lives and limbs through detection of land Ines andTB. They look after the rats so well. I've sponsored a rat with them for several years now and bought their great merchandise to help raise funds. I tell everyone about Apopo and what they do.
This is an amazing organization that provides life saving services to so many in need! This organization deserves so much credit for training these Hero Rats, who are amazing and intelligent creatures, to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis! And for treating them with love, honor and respect (and treats!) for this amazing service! This is the highest example of humans and animals working together for mutual benefit!! So proud of all the people involved in this project and of course, the Hero Rats who allow us to use their exemplary senses and skills to help mankind!!
Apopo does amazing work with trained rats in two ways: sniffing out land mines, and detecting tuberculosis in samples with amazing accuracy. Either one of these projects is amazing and worthy of noticing, but the two together is truly amazing. Rats are such amazing creatures, and their handlers and trainers are just as amazing.
I am a proud fancy rat owner who supports APOPO's Gambian giant rats in everything they do. In 2016, I was part of the FLL Robotics Leugue and our theme was animals. My team choose to research APOPO because we wanted to spread awareness for this wonderful organization and brainstorm ways to improve it. We went as far as Skyping Robyn Toor in England and telling him about our ideas on improving the organization along with asking questions for our project. In the end, we lost the project award to a team who supported deer equality, but the experience is all that matters to me and my team.
I support APOPO because of the very important work they do and also beacause we have had pet rats and they are wonderful little animals!
Getting to see what they are working and training for is a wonderful tool for me to use in my daily life. I use it to show that no matter the size you are, you can always be useful and are always part of the bigger picture.
I love that they are finding a way to make rats into heros instead of villains. I love rats dearly, so this nonprofit is close to my heart
Their social media presence shares their unique and inspiring story across the globe.
- a hero rats supporter in the USA
Hero Rats save lives. They are Rats, that save the lives of Humans. Is there a more important thing?
Keep up the great work! I've always been a fan of rats and I'm so happy to hear that they are doing something so wonderful to keep us safe!
I love this small, grassroots, important NGO. I found out about them several yrs ago and have donated ever since. Love them!
Great charity doing amazing & pioneering work. I really enjoy following their updates, always fascinating.
Tha APOPO story is a brilliant example of using nature in a beneficial way, with zero 'negative effects' on the environment and at the same time answering an important question for us in Africa - How can we find affordable ways of enhancing the lives of millions of poor people? The TB Detecting Rats are definitely worthy of international support for the long term health challenges in Africa. Personally, I am doing all I can to encourage APOPO to set up TB Detection operations in Zimbabwe, a broken and bancrupt country with a high TB incidence.
A good way to achieve great results using modest means. The cost to adopt a HeroRAT is unbelievably low in comparison with what can be achieved. Love the regular updates through birth, "puphood" and training.
This is an amazing organization; not only does it promote human health and well-being by removing hazards (land mines, finding tuberculosis, both of which are huge), APOPO contributes to the economy and education of all the places it reaches, by having local people do the work, and receive training to train others to do the work. APOPO is outstanding.
I have been an APOPO sponsor for five years and the thing I love about them is their accessibility and communication. Every day on all social media they post informative, engaging and entertaining articles about their work, and having met some of their representatives I can confirm that this open and welcoming attitude reaches all levels of the organisation.
A wonderful organisation that has made a real difference. Newsletters and posts are interesting and informative and the rats are beautiful. I had a rat adopted for me for my birthday and am about to adopt one for the school at which I am a governor. A great way to introduce children to the difference a focussed charity can make and to build respect for animals.
Wonderful organisation; they really do help save lots of lives and treat their wee saviours with lots of respect and give them lots of love. A charity worth helping.
I've adopted Herorats for all of my family and close friends. The work that APOPO does is truly wonderful, and their outreach and adoption programme is top notch. Great work APOPO! :)
This is a beautiful not for profit, I adopt a rat & I receive updates and informative news letters. I feel personally & emotionally invested.. & such brilliantly talented rats and trainers... forget running away to join the circus, I want to run away to join Apopo!! Save us from bombs & disease ratties, you're amazing!! Xxx
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The work that theses rats and humans accomplish together is astounding. It amazes me to see the bond between these passionate people and intelligent animals. It is truly special. They save lives in the most unexpected ways, and I love them.
This has got to be THE most humanitarian group I have ever seen.At some point I will adopt a herorat as I believe so strongly in thier causes.Being a rat lover I also love the idea of rats losing thier bad rap.Keep it up Apopo,love you all so much.
Easily the best charity I have ever donated to. Constant social media updates and options for donating, plus the great work they do makes me a huge fan! I wish I could do more!
Apopo has helped make so many areas safe for people and animals. They use the science of positive reinforcement to train the rats to help with everything from detecting land mines to tuberculosis! They are an amazing organization and a leader in showing how humans and animals can work together.
I absolutely love this charity! The work they are doing has so many positive effects. They are creating jobs, making unsafe areas habitable again, diagnosing illness and helping to dispel the negative perceptions usually associated with rats.
Excellent program! So worthwhile. Really feel like we're making a difference.
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I first learnt about this program just over a year ago, all i can say is wow ! Such a good thing and will save so many lives . Keep up the good work - got a great xmas present last year from my son and he sponsored a rat for my wife and i , a real talking piece in the kitchen on the fridge .
Brilliant work and lovely to see rats getting the positive image they deserve :)
oh and love "full cheek Friday"!!
Astonishingly wonderful work. Great that APOPO is now working in SE Asia where the legacy of the 'Vietnam' war still results in mutilations of children and agricultural workers. Such a brilliant way of finding UXOs for disposal. Go the Rats. AND of course they are so much more efficient in the lab than people and machines at detecting TB in urine samples. Great work Ratties.
And such marvellous Facebook posts.
These amazing people and ratties are doing a wondrrful job, they always have time for their follows and always have lovely things to say about their follows ratties. They also have taught me personally alot about how intellegent the rats are with their lovely posts and videos x
The best charity I ever knew: respectful for HeroRats, for teams all around them, for people living in the countries they work for.... I support with all my heart!
This is one of the most important projects to make the world a safer place for all of us. Their set-up where you can "adopt" a rat and learn about its' progress to becoming either a mine detector or a TB sniffer is absolutely brilliant. Kudos to who ever came up with this idea. I loved learning about my rat, "Sarge". Looking forward to adopting more rats.
Keep up the good work. People are counting on it.
I have met HeroRats through the Ashoka Network. We have started a Social Entrepreneurship Club on highschool level 4 years ago, and Ashoka Turkey has helped us grasp what social enterprises truly are. Their first example was HeroRats, and we were all instantly in love. Especially for me, the work that HeroRats has accomplished is truly amazing. Combining such seemingly unrelated things as rats, landmines and tuberculosis to both save people and raise welfare in underdeveloped communities is really an honorable work. The genius behind it, as well as the work and love that is put into this foundation makes it a unique non-profit organization.
Achieving a lot with modest means, to help make the world a better place. All NGOs do that, but not all do it with rats :-)
Achieving a lot with modest means, to help make the world a better place. All NGOs do that, but not all do it with rats :-)
Apopo's Hero Rats is such a nice organization to donate to if you can and learn more about & support. Not only does it save lives by clearing mines by using these cute little creatures to detect mines in a safest way as possible, it trains and keeps them safe and healthy with good care, giving them another job other than their job of simply being themselves & it gives them a home. You can't ask for anything better! An amazing organization that not only does something good & profound in the world but treats the animals that are part of it really well & with love! I think they really do value their animals, which to me is what makes it the most special!
Hatte vor mehreren Jahren über diese tolle Idee gelesen... und dann natürlich zwei Herorats adoptiert. Ich bin stolz apopo unterstützen zu können, egal ob es um TBC-Erkennung oder Minenräumung geht. Eine geniale Sache!!! Und total unkompliziert...
This is such an inspiration, there are no small or unimportant lives like this beautiful, intelligent, eager to help creatures, there are only small human minds
They are on a mission with their fur heroes so no one is hurt again
Discover a charity that will fascinate you, and warm your heart like no other: learn about APOPO. I did, and I tell everyone I know about it.
As a scientist, I am fascinated by the training and technology used, by how efficient and simple and portable the HeroRATs are. As a lover of great stories, I am astonished at the way the organization and its deployment of Pouched Rats, were designed and came to be. As an animal lover, I'm in rapture, because the HeroRATs are adorable! To see them learn and work so meticulously is wondrous, and to watch them fill their round cheeks with bananas or melon is a new high water mark for cuteness. To see the mothers and little ones in their small houses will fill your heart with warmth and love. These sweet, little whiskered faces will learn and practice, learn and practice, until their proficiency is flawless. And what they learn is not for a foolish or heartless purpose. It's to save the lives of animals and humans.
'But what happens to the poor rats?' I asked at first, dreading that they would be thought expendable. When I learned that the HeroRATs are handled gently, regularly evaluated by veterinarians, and choose for themselves when they will not go to work, that they are allowed to retire in good care—that the lives of these amazing creatures matter very much to APOPO, I knew I'd found a charity I can believe in.
So I adopted a HERORat, who was born in April. I named him Pax Vobiscum, which is Latin for 'Peace among you/Peace with you.' I hold everyone who works with the HeroRATs in high esteem. In fact, I marvel at them.
And I love the rats. When I lie in bed in my safe apartment, I think of the HeroRATs with a loving and thankful heart. Because of them, people in areas traumatized by war, terrified even to walk in open spaces for fear of explosives—have had the freedom to walk and raise crops in their own communities restored. By a creature many people disparage or fear. By HeroRATs.
Attached is an image I created for Twitter on US Independence Day, a day on which many Americans sing the national anthem. A line describes bombs bursting in air during a war long ago. The truth is that many explosives don't activate completely, ordinance gets dropped and land mines are intentional. I wanted to bring people's attention to this, on what is usually a happy, free holiday in America, because I was thinking about the HeroRATs far away. Yes, they matter that much to me. I find myself thinking about them often.
Learn more about APOPO. See what great good the HeroRATs do. You'll never think badly of rats again. And you might find you agree that using 1kg rats to systematically locate explosives by scent is perhaps the greatest humanitarian-scientific idea of the century.
The vital work APOPO does in many countries, doesn't just directly save lives, but raises awareness of the issues of landmines and TB. They also engage well with the public through social media and educate people about their rats.
Very creative Organization!
Brilliant idea saving lives by using brave rats! They are very clever and super cute!
Now Mozambique is free of mines it's a fantastic news.
The rats have done an amazing work and also congrats to the trainers.
I already know what to offer for Valentine day : a HeroRat!
It's a worthy cause and very inspiring!!! :D
Thank you so much!
Absolutely brilliant organisation! The rats are so brave, clever and super cute! The humans aren't bad either ;) I follow them on instagram and always look forward to seeing their posts. Their work is incredible. So unbelievable and inspiring. If I could I would give the rats all the bananas their little hearts desired :) xx
What an amazing organization! They save lives in so many ways, and the animals are well cared for and loved. You can see the respect in the way they are cared for. A beautiful partnership between humans an animals.
The work APOPO does is vital and inspiring, and they are transforming so many lives in a positive way. They deserve all - and more than - the recognition they get because they are the future and they are doing so much good in the world in so many ways.
Totally amazing..Mozambique is now FREE of Mines thanks to these amazing Little Hero´s.
This incredible group does not stop there with Tuberculosis also being tested by the Hero Rat too. A disease that is rife in Mozambique. They have and will continue to better the lives of 1000´s.
Well done APOPO, you are Hero´s.
I adopted a rat, and I don't think I will regret it!
They have a beautiful goals, they save lives... That's just great! Thank you so much!
Ww have to be so grateful with Mother Nature's creations... And along with the assistance from this noble creaturesn, we must ban and stop the manufacturing of weaponry; by raising our consciousness into the Light of Truth.
We must come to realize that there is but ONE REAL/ROYAL PRESENCE; from Which all things spring into form and we must honor their Freedom; for it is our own.
Thank you for the Great work... BLESSINGS!!!
I have been owned by pet rays for years and am very aware of how smart they are. It's great to see an organisation working with these great animals and doing such amazing work.
A beautiful example of how something as popularly-disliked like rats can help us to leave behind and erase bit by bit the consequences of war. Amazing content in its social pages and a lot of info of how they do they work. Cheers for this amazing nonprofit!
I have learned alot about how rats can help humans in so many ways. They can smell disease and smell bombs. And yet be so friendly and loveable at the same time! Keep up the great work! And keep posting on Instagram!!! Thanx guys!
The APOPO brings awareness to the need to remove land mines throughout the world. I live east Tennessee and seeing the work APOPO is able to achieve through the Hero rats is truly remarkable. Their good work and commitment to saving lives gives me hope.
I've been a fan of APOPO since the beginning. Bart Weetjens had an excellent idea, and the fact that his skillfully trained HeroRats are performing so well to sniff out landmines and tuberculosis only speaks for the project and its team. Kudos and Keep On Going!
I was amazed when I found out about APOPO and the hero rats. Imagine a world without landmines and TB! They not only imagined it, they're making it happen - and with the cutest coworkers in the history of ever.
I follow Hero rats on IG and I can't praise their incredible work enough! I hope more people will recognise what amazing animals rats really are and the trainers are amazing too!
These beast - mode saviors of the African bad lands removed every single landmine from the country of Mozambique. Every. Single. One. And how?
Not with metal detectors or armored military mine sweeping vehicles. Not with super powers and good vibes. They did it with rats. Painfully adorable, insanely intelegent, endlessly misunderstood rats.
I dare you, nay, defy you to find a nobler, cuter, or more worthy cause to dump your 'white guilt money' into.
What a wonderful organization! Changing people's lives by detecting land mines and TB and helping to change people's opinions of rats.
l follow this amazing group on Fb. So happy with the work they are doing to save lives. And even happier that no rats are harmed.
Apopo is a wonderful nonprofit which has found a lowbudget solution to get rid of mines, provides employement to the local community and on top of that really cares about the animals they are working with. I gladly donate on a monthly basis to support this great cause and as a reward i get updates on the training of 'my' herorat. Only sad thing is that you can't adopt one specific herorat, but I understand that this would cost too much time and administrative effort.
I sponsor a HeroRat, and get regular updates about my little guy's training. This organisation does amazing work clearing landmines and detecting TB, plus the rats are really cute. They engage with their followers on social media and share their successes.
Apopo is an amazing organization that helps both humans and animals. It redefines the role of the rat while eradicating minefields and disease at the same time! Incredible and brilliant charity!
A Big thank you for all of your furry and not-so-furry team! So important work to do ☆☆☆☆☆ Hoping all the best for you ♡
I came across this Instagram page and I absolutely fell in love with your cause! It brightens my day to see the good work you do!
APOPO are an amazing not for profit organisation who train Gambian Pouched Rats to sniff out Landmines and Tuberculosis!
Rats saving lives every day! Amazing!!!!
I'm not one for charities outside my backyard, but this Apopo; Hero Rats caught my heart strings. Saving lives by scratching at landmines, and sniffing g out TB. I was compelled to buy a sweater to help this amazing organization proceed forward with their work. Go teeny tiny Hero Rats
What an innovative and wonderful organization. APOPO trains African pouched rats (HeroRats) to carry out demining organizations around the world. They recently put themselves out of a job in Mozambique, which was just declared mine-free! They also use these amazing rats' keen sense of smell to sniff out tuberculosis in lab samples, allowing for much quicker and more accurate diagnosis that can save lives. APOPO engages very actively with their donors, allowing donors to "adopt" a HeroRat and follow his/her adventures via a regular newsletter. APOPO is also very active on social media. I highly recommend this charity.
They are amazing - both HeroRats and their human friends and trainers! Saving lives from both human and animals. And give them a chance to get back there very own land or to get back their health so they can take care of their family.
And of couse they help to show the world: HeroRats are NO vermin, instead they can be super-cute and are very intelligent.
The work they are doing is amazing. They are saving so many people from the threat of land mines and are also helping to show everyone how fantastic rats can be. I love everything that these wonderful people do.
The work the HeroRats, their trainers and handlers do is simply amazing! What a great contribution to the health and safety of people, especially children, in the countries where they work! If I had my way, they would be awarded a prize! I love wearing the T-shirts and telling people in Europe about HeroRats!!!!
This is so great. These rats are trained to save lives! They find landmines and TB!
Because these are light weighted animals, mines don't explode when they find them. They can sniff out TB very well too.
Me myself love it that these rats have a good life: they are respected, live in groups and are loved by their trainers. The people of APOPO and the rats are real heroes!
Since following HeroRats on Facebook, I've been amazing at how these incredible creatures and their handlers have cleared Mozambique, one of my country's neighbours, of mines as well as the amazing work they do in TB detection.
They have helped me change many perceptions about rats in general and the little animals and this programme is an amazing example of people and nature working in unison to create a better world.
I have pet rats and struggle to get people to accept that they are not disease ridden plague carriers. Having the HeroRats out there showing off just how important these little fluffies are (another branch of the same family) gives people pause. All I wanted for Christmas last year was for a HeroRat to be adopted on my behalf which is what my partner got for me :)
After adopting a hero rat and showing off its accomplishments, i have people saying "i didn't know this was a thing! That's so cool!" I'm proud to be helping others just by hero rat adoption which is very affordable.
My donation has seemed to help because Mozambique is now mine free and I couldn't be more happy for the Hero Rats!
A charity that serves the underserved while treating the gambian rats who sniff out landmines and TB with the utmost respect and compassion.
le but de cette association est vraiment utile et formidable. Je suis heureuse de pouvoir contribuer à son existence
APOPO is a mutifaceted charity that does outstanding work. APOPO brings together local talent and lateral thinking, utilising low cost solutions in the form of Gambian pouched rats to solve not just one problem, but two - mine-hunting and tuberculosis detection. And the best bit? APOPOS HeroRATS find mines and detect TB quicker and more efficiently than today's technology can.
Sometimes the simpler, lower cost, solutions are by far the best. Well done APOPO.
APOPO has done amazing work, speeding up TB testing and land mine removal as well as showing the world that rats deserve respect in the world
The work that Apopo does is truly inspiring. And I love how they engage with the public with updates and simple things like 'full cheek Fridays' - but behind it all you know that some of the work they are doing is and can be dangerous. Congratulations has to go out to them on their most recent achievement with their work in Mozambique, with it recently having been declared mostly landmine free, and it's not just their work with the landmines that is inspiring. The work that they do with detecting Tuberculosis in samples that had previously been checked and past as 'ok' means that those people can get the treatment that they need. Adopt a rat it will be the most rewarding thing that you ever do, they do amazing work that saves lives and limbs everyday.
I was so excited about APOPO when my brother in law told me they existed! I will be watching this charity very closely, and offering my support however I can!
HeroRATS are the best! Our family sponsors 2 through monthly donations to APOPO. Tapdance is a TB detection rat and recently identified its first TB case. Khmer Peacemaker is a mine detection rat. Help support their work by giving to APOPO.
Taking working animals one step beyond. Utilizing a resource (the pouched rat) that is native to the area and breeds well, no need to import "alien" species. Low cost maintenance, suited for the locations they work. And easy to train!
These animals are, through good training and loving care, used to combat two of the scourges of Africa; mines and tuberculosis. The mine detection rat lightfooted and cost effective. The TB rat proving early, cheap and quick diagnosis to maximise the effectiveness of costly drugs.
I am now in my 2nd year of adopting my HeroRAT. I totally believe in this organisation and there simply aren't enough words in any language to express how highly I rate them! Their communication with the general public through social media is excellent. I am now a volunteer with them and am proud to be associated with them. Their work is genius and effective and rats in general are now starting to be seen for the intelligent creatures that they are.
APOPO completely changed my view of rats as a species. I came across a random Facebook post about the organization one day, and spent the next 2 hours browsing their most excellent website. By the end of that time, I had made my first donation and even started looking at fancy rats to keep as pets, when 2 hours earlier I would have said you were crazy for liking rats. Now, I tell anyone who will listen about APOPOs most magnificent HeroRAT's who are helping save the world - clearing one landmine, or detecting a case of TB, at a time. Hero's indeed!!!
Have been funding APOPO for >6 years in their TB program which is truly innovative and saving lives just as with the demining program. The local capacity strengthening also very strong.
Apopo are an evidence-based, fully researched and evaluated programme that are proven to work. Whether it's TB testing or demining, the trained rats and their handlers are saving lives. This charity has already had an amazing impact in Mozambique and continues to carry out its excellent work in countries affected by mines (e.g. Cambodia). The ability to screen for TB faster and more effectively is a health innovation that could transform the lives of millions worldwide. There are many ventures within health and development who are worthy of support, but in my opinion Apopo ranks among the best. They evaluate, assess and reflect on their work, their outcomes are well documented and they strive for respectful and sustainable practices that restore communities to the people and better health to those who are sick.
Love rats. Help disarm mines! Also helping cCChanghangege the way the world views rats. Very good nonprofit
I haven't visited APOPO yet (I would love to one day), but I follow them religiously on social media and absolutely LOVE what they are doing. Not only are they changing the general stigma against rats, but they are doing so in a way that is actively and highly effectively saving lives. I understand that the people working for the organisation (particularly the ground level staff and the guys out in the field) face many difficulties (financially and otherwise). My heart and respect goes out to them and everyone involved with this NPO for what they do - and I hope that many more people come to learn more about them and what they already have and are continuing to achieve. #GoHeroRats!
APOPO Hero Rats do an amazing job. Not only do the rats help to rid the world of landmines and eradicate TB but the work that the organisation does also raises the profile of rats as a soecies.I've always considered them to be fabulous creatures but that's not the opinion of most people.
APOPO is an absolutely amazing organisation and I am very proud to support them. I have introduced friends and relatives to their work too and we now have a group of HeroRats :)
I have been a huge supporter of APOPO since I first read about their work. Not only do they do important humanitarian work, they do it cheaply, using local resources; they provide local jobs and encourage local involvement in local problems (currently landmines and TB) using suitable levels of technology. And they even demonstrate how valuable other species can be and change perceptions of rats from vermin to hard working detectors who are both friendly and charming. This has to be one of the best NGOs there is!
Apopo is one of the best charities to come about in years. Their work is cost-efficient, directly helps thousands of people every day, as well as helping animals! I'm proud to support them and promote their services. Trained rats clear minefields quickly and effectively, with no danger to themselves (they are too light to set off mines). Now they are also being trained to detect tuberculosis in labs! One rat can accurately detect 100 tests in the time it takes a human to run 1.
Apopo HeroRATS is amazing, truly amazing. Rats saving human lives in their daily work. No, not as victims in a lab. But rats going to work five days a week as land mine detectors and TB diagnosticians. Rats have an unbelievable sense of smell. They can smell land mines and other weaponry beneath the earth. They are light enough to set out with tiny harnesses, attached to wire runs in parallel, and walk the ground where there may be mines. A rat who finds a mine turns a circle and gets a bit of banana; and a human life is potentially saved. The little TB lab rats are given sterilized samples of human saliva which lab testing by humans and machines has accepted as healthy. The rats find the false negatives thus saving the life of the patient and the dozen or so people even just that one patient could have infected.
The ideas are incredible and the agency that has made them work, a dream. Thank you Apopo and the truly heroic rats!
An absolutely wonderful organization - they are compassionate and kind to the hero rats, while serving to improve living conditions for humankind. I love these guys!
So worthwhile! Heroes from the littlest rat upwards.
With the world shrinking away from rats and a general inclination towards the harming of rodents in general, it makes me proud to be able to point to the HERORATS and tell people "Hey - look what these rats are doing." in an effort to change people's minds about these wonderful animals.
Keep up the good work and spreading the good word.
It started out with one man's idea in one country and has expanded into six with the aim of saving lives .In the process ,Herorats were used and not one life was lost -neither animal nor human.Another bonus of these amazing creatures is their ability to detect TB .
These guys are amazing! The work they do with the clever ratties is brilliant in detecting disease and clearing landmines!
This organization is amazing. They are saving human lives everyday in underserved areas by utilizing the characteristics and skills of the Gambian rats to clear land minds and screen for TB. In addition, they appear to be taking great care of their animals and advocating for their cause while also bringing light to their protégé. As a rat owner (brown rat), it's really great to show people how great these animals can be (in addition to saving thousands of lives.) Thank you, APOPO!
I am so very proud to be sponsoring one of the APOPO HeroRats. The work this organisation do is essential in repatriating whole villages to a mine-free state. Their work with HeroRats in detecting TB is invaluable also and their success rates speak volumes. In sponsoring a HeroRAT, APOPO fulfil their promise to keep sponsors updated on training progress, and then "hits" as they occur. This makes sponsoring a very personal activity as we are kept informed along the journey from birth to the rats working their magic . I feel very proud to be associated with this very special organisation and cannot speak highly enough of all the team. A very worthwhile organisation to be investing my time and sponsorship with!
I have followed Apopo for years and recently added them on Facebook to enjoy the stories posted. They are a unique and truly special organization which helps those in need, create local jobs, provide training, while increasing public knowledge and appreciation of rats. Thank you!
I follow APOPO on Facebook and sponsor a rat in memory of my heart rat KaiKai. I know of no other organisation that is as down to earth as Apopo. They have recognised the value of the most maligned creature on earth and developed training methods to harness the rats abilities to search out land mines and TB infections - saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of humans. I am in the UK and wear my sweatshirt to promote and recognise these awesome guys and their equally awesome Herorats. I would jump at any volunteer with these guys - you are a breath of fresh air in a world that seems so often to have lost its way.
It's hard to explain the greatness of APOPO in a short blurb but here are the big three reasons why this nonprofit is my favorite:
- You can see where your donations are going and see the work being done in real time. You're not sending your money away hoping there will be some change in 10 years. The change is happening now!
- Animal welfare is a huge priority. APOPO's HeroRATs live a long, healthy and fulfilling life doing actions that come naturally to them through the tried and tested approach of positive reinforcement. Full Cheeks Fridays seem to be testament to that! =)
- Rather than a group of foreigners rushing in to save the people, the people are given the tools, knowledge and training needed to "save themselves". This is so important! Giving the population control over their own future generates a sense of pride and accomplishment that strengthens and builds communities for the better!
While I highly value charitable giving, I'm extremely selective in what charities I support. APOPO is a big one for me.
The combination of transparency, animal welfare, cost effectiveness, and employing local people (rather than just flying in outsiders) is just icing on the cake for this well-run and science-based organization.
Je suis les actions de Apopo et des herorats depuis 4 ou 5 ou 6 ans (quand on aime, on ne compte pas). J'ai d'abord découvert comment ils dressaient des rats pour déminer des terrains envahis de mines antipersonnelles. Les rats dressés sont rapides, efficaces et suffisamment légers pour ne pas risquer de sauter en détectant une mine. Puis, j'ai appris que les rats pouvaient également être de très bons analystes d'échantillons de laboratoire pour détecter la tuberculose, plus rapidement et plus fiablement que des analyses classiques. La classe internationale, en bref!
Côté communication, ils assurent : sensibilisation pour que l'on reconnaisse les rats comme des animaux intelligents et utiles, sensibilisation contre les mines antipersonnelles et leurs dégâts, lutte contre la tuberculose. prise en compte des réalités de terrain, le tout sans jamais sombrer dans le pathos. Regardez un peu leurs photos et vidéos, leur travail est incroyable : ils fabriquent des héros !
I follow APOPO on social media sites. I notice that APOPO cares for their rats in a wonderful way. It is lovely knowing rats can do GREAT things for humans while also being treated kindly and cared for well. They are showing the public the respect rats deserve for their intelligent, kind, and beautiful personalities. APOPO is doing wonderful things for both humans & animals!
I follow APOPO on facebook , I have been truly amazed at what these rats can do! They save so many lives , they sniff out landmines.unlike little children their body weight isn't enough to detonate the deadly devices ;so the qualified (and very brave) experts can make them safe and save thousands of people from being killed or maimed.
As well as their work at sniffing out landmines they also can be trained to sniff out TB from patient sputum!!! In fact they have detected 6174 Additional TB patients identified by rats so far ........ and just think how many people would have gone on to be infected by those people.
I love their postings and always share them as they are very educational and bring the danger of landmines and tb into a reality .
APOPO is a great organization! Their utilization of rats to detect the presence of mines and tuberculosis is incredibly innovative and much more efficient than the standard methods of detection. The rats are able to detect both mines and tuberculosis more quickly, and less expensively, than standard methods, and as a result, more lives are being saved. Their work is tremendously successful!
Ich komme aus Deutschland und habe im TV von APOPO erfahren. Ich bewundere die Kreativität und die Energie, mit der aus der Idee, trainierte Ratten zur Räumung von Landminen und zum Tuberkulose-Screening einzusetzen, etwas so Wertvolles aufgebaut wurde. APOPO ist eine Organisation, die das Leben vieler Menschen rettet, das Projekt ist ausgesprochen unterstützenswert! Danke für die gute Arbeit!
I had the chance to visit the training center of Apopo in Tanzania.
It was really surrealistic to see this HeroRats in action.
This is one of the best examples of how biology can help to make the world a better place.
Incredible work !!!!!
Not only does Apopo save lives by training the HeroRATs to detect landmines, they also train the rats to detect TB. The more people who know about them and the work they do, the more lives they'll be able to save. Their social media campaigns are informative and entertaining, which is one of the best ways to teach.
I've been sending in a small monthly payment (deducted automatically from my checking account) to APOPO for almost a year now, to sponsor a landmine detecting rat. All of my updates and communication with them has been above and beyond what I expect with a charity. Even when I have a small glitch with my online account, they were exceptionally professional and handled it immediately.
This is all gravy, of course. The most important thing about the HeroRats is that they are actually saving lives!
I was dazzled years ago when I learned that APOPO was saving lives by finding and detonating landmines (without harm to the hero rats). Now I am dazzled to learn that those rats are being trained to detect TB in patient sputum--faster and cheaper than using humans. Bart Weetjens, the founder of APOPO, is brilliant. We are blessed world-wide by this great nonprofit.
Previous Stories
You will have trouble believing how creative and powerful this nonprofit is! In 1995 Bart Weetjens was exploring solutions for the global landmine problem. As a rat pet owner, he came across a publication using gerbils as scent detectors. Rats, intelligent, cheap and widespread over the world were going to detect landmines, that much was sure. Thus APOPO, a Belgian-based nonprofit, began. With no harm to those animals, they alert handlers so the mines can be destroyed! Lives and limbs are saved. In recent years APOPO has expanded to train the rats to detect TB in patient sputum--faster and cheaper than human technicians! It has won numerous awards. Website is APOPO.org.
A cheap, non technological solution that save lives. Childrens lives as well as adults. It also gives work for people who need them the most. Those rats are my new superheroes. They really deserve a prize!
After following APOPO on Facebook for quite a while, I decided to adopt a liitle hero rat in September. It was about to be born about 14 days later and I vividly remember the joy about the message on October 8 that it has been born - 1 day before my own birthday. The picture enclosed warmed my heart as much as the following messages and pictures I recieved when it first openend its eyes and the click training began. I can't wait to learn more about this little rat's life from the day it was born to a life saving hero!
APOPO's work is outstanding and I'm proud to help a little bit by adopting a rat and donating now and then.