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HeroRATs are highly trained animals can sniff out tuberculosis, landmines and trafficked wildlife products, including rhino horn.<\/p>\n
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento<\/a> Zoo has welcomed its newest, one-of-a-kind residents: three African giant pouched rats.<\/p>\n Michigan Researchers Discover These Ancient Fish May Be Older Than The Declaration Of Independence<\/a><\/p>\n Also known as HeroRATs, these highly trained animals<\/a> can sniff out tuberculosis, landmines and trafficked wildlife products, including rhino horn.<\/p>\n HeroRATs are highly trained animals can sniff out tuberculosis, landmines and trafficked wildlife products, including rhino horn.<\/p>\n According to a social media post from the Sacramento<\/a> Zoo, the facility partnered with Belgian nonprofit APOPO to house the three HeroRATs.<\/p>\n The zoo has developed an interactive habitat designed to teach visitors about the animals’ abilities and the illegal wildlife<\/a> trade.<\/p>\n See Which Cities Are Experiencing A Surge In Rats Due To Climate Change<\/a><\/p>\n A baby giant African pouch rat is rewarded with a banana by its trainer after accurately finding a dummy mine during a training exercise.<\/p>\n The rats are currently living with the California<\/a> zoo’s ambassador animals while their new habitat is being constructed.<\/p>\n See It: Curious Baby Shark Swims Alongside Diver In Unforgettable Encounter<\/a><\/p>\n African giant pouched rats<\/a> are among the largest rats in the world, growing to an average length of about 3 feet, including their tails. Some can grow to the size of a small cat and weigh up to 9 pounds, per the Texas Invasive Species Institute.<\/p>\n African giant pouched rats are among the largest rats in the world.<\/p>\n APOPO, an organization that trains southern giant pouched rats<\/a> and technical survey dogs to detect disease and other threats, said its HeroRAT<\/a> program is also used to identify hidden wildlife products.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/fox_weather_articles_483\/34c6b1505aa4f97de6ce2eaaf0773507.jpeg\"\/)
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