09.28.04
Morogoro, Tanzania - Scientists in Tanzania are training 250 African Giant Pouched rats to detect mines in afflicted countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
�You really get attached to the animals,� said Bart Weetjens, the project's managing director, �but it�s so hard to train them.�
When asked why the animals are so hard to train he responded, �They are hard to train because no animal wants to blow it�s self up.�
The animals themselves are not heavy enough to set off the mines, but have a small weight or rock tied to their back. This method is far more cost effective than expensive equipment used in the past and is much more fun to watch.
The rats can fly, if still intact, anywhere from 25ft. to 100ft. The animal right community was outraged that these rats were being used to detonate the mines. While protesting several animal rights officials were injured when they stepped on a land mine. �They pretty much let us do whatever the hell we want now,� says Weetjens who continues, �given the choice between a land mine or being hit in the head with a rat. Ninety percent of the time I would take my chances with the rat.�
�The children will walk for miles to see us work,� says Weetjens with a huge grin on his face. Anywhere in Africa you can ask a child about the exploding rats and their face lights up. They now charge for the display and all proceeds go to training more rats