HeroRATS Experience At The Living Desert Zoo And Gardens Promotes Recognition, Prompts Awareness

PALM DESERT, CA — Guests at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens can now meet a group of unique African Giant Pouched rats who daily show that the smallest of creatures can make the biggest impact in the global fight against wildlife trafficking.

Renee Barrett, Animal Care Curator at the Palm Desert Zoo, discussed how the HeroRATS, featured in a new experience at the zoo, have been trained as an alternative to traditional detection methods such as sniffer dogs and X-ray technology, and can perform life-saving work in mine detection and disease prevention. It's all part of a groundbreaking project by the zoo's partner, APOPO, which developed the field training program for the large rats.

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"As part of this collaboration, Zoo guests will now have the unique opportunity to experience daily HeroRAT demonstrations, bringing visitors face-to-face with these remarkable animals. With these interactive connections, we will be able to share the critical story of wildlife trafficking and the efforts underway to stop it."

Hamida, one of the seven highly trained detection rats at The Living Desert zoo and gardens, is trained in wildlife trafficking—one of the largest illegal trades in the world, threatening biodiversity and pushing vulnerable species closer to extinction.

“Hamida may be small, but she is part of a global effort to save lives and protect wildlife,” Barrett said. “Hamida is gentle, playful and incredibly focused when working. Seeing her in action helps guests understand that even the smallest animals can make a massive impact.”

In just a few months, the intelligent, gentle-natured creatures can be trained to be Hero RATs. They tend to form strong working bonds with their handlers.

In the field, the rats wear a tiny harness attached to a line between two handlers, who guide them from a distance as the rats move systematically across designated areas, according to Barrett.

"As they work, the rats use their sense of smell to identify target odors and signal their handlers by scratching at the source, enabling quick, precise identification," Barrett said.

Though safety is a concern for all, the rats move lightly and will not trigger devices.

"HeroRATS are uniquely suited for this work. Their light weight — about the size of a small cat — allows them to move safely across minefields without triggering explosives, and their agility enables them to navigate tight spaces more efficiently than traditional detection methods," she said.

The growing global attention around HeroRATS reflects a broader shift in how animals are supporting both humanitarian and conservation efforts.

One of the most famous HeroRATS, Magawa, helped detect more than 100 landmines during his career, making land safer for nearby communities. The next generation of HeroRATS is now helping tackle another urgent global crisis, the illegal wildlife trade.

They invite you to come visit Hamida, and her six fellow HeroRATs, at The Living Desert’s HeroRATS experience and better understand how animal training, science and conservation intersect to solve real-world challenges, Barrett said. "By showcasing the incredible work of HeroRATS, we hope to inspire guests to become Desert Defenders — champions for wildlife who carry the message forward and help create a future where all species can thrive."

Learn more by visiting The Living Desert’s HeroRATS experience. Let us know when you go!
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located at 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert.