(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Zoo announced the arrival of three HeroRATs, also known as African giant pouched rats.
African giant pouched rats are a special species of rodent trained by the non-profit organization APOPO to sniff out tuberculosis, landmines and trafficked wildlife products in parts of Africa and Asia.
Guests can see one of the new HeroRATs on Thursday starting at 9:30 a.m. in its brand-new habitat featuring an interactive play structure near the African cheetah habitat.
Sacramento Zoo CEO Dan Simon will unveil the habitat and speak about the new partnership with APOPO.
The Sacramento Zoo’s ambassador animals team will then demonstrate the HeroRATs’ abilities in the zoo’s amphitheater at around 10:15 a.m.
“This demonstration is training for eventual daily HeroRAT shows in the amphitheater that will show our rats work through a maze wall to detect a new scent,” a spokesperson with the zoo said.
The rodents will work alongside the Zoo’s Education Program to teach the public about the issue of illegal wildlife trafficking and efforts to stop it.
“We’re so excited to bring these heroes and their critically important conservation message to zoo guests,” Jonelle Mason, Animal Care Supervisor.
According to officials, the first 500 guests will receive a free, exclusive HeroRAT sticker.
“HeroRATs are solitary in nature, and the three rats will rotate between a public habitat and two behind-the-scenes habitats with our other ambassador animals,” officials said.
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