A groundbreaking project has been launched in Antalya that could transform disaster relief efforts. Specially trained African rats, known as “hero rats,” will assist in locating individuals trapped under debris after disasters like earthquakes, reports Demiroren Agency (DHA). This initiative is a collaboration between Muratpaşa Municipality, the GEA Search and Rescue Association, and the Belgian organization APOPO. For the first time globally, these animals will undergo real training in Antalya for rescue operations.
Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal expressed hope that the rats would never need to be deployed, but highlighted the project’s spirit and progress as highly encouraging for a nation frequently encountering natural disasters. The rats, sourced from Tanzania, boast significant experience, having previously been involved in detecting landmines and diagnosing tuberculosis. They are now set to be trained to locate survivors in debris, utilizing their exceptional sense of smell and agility in confined spaces. GEA team leader Erkan Ataker mentioned that the concept arose from asking: “Why not have another chance?” When no sounds are detected, and dogs or thermal cameras prove ineffective, these small yet highly mobile animals could be crucial.
Daniel Jonjrosso, a neuroscientist and program manager at APOPO, noted that the rats will be equipped with special gear featuring cameras and two-way communication. This setup will not only help indicate found individuals but also provide visuals from inside the rubble and facilitate communication with survivors. Six African marsupials have been brought to Turkey for this project—five males and one female, named Joe, Caruso, Wagner, Billy, Kiria, and Daniel. Their training will continue in Muratpaşa in a specially designated area designed for training and maintaining their physical fitness.
Ankara University’s Faculty of Agriculture is also actively participating in the project, which scientists believe could open up “new doors” in both rescue operations and animal training for socially beneficial purposes. “This is a project that inspires hope and expands horizons,” summarized Mayor Ümit Uysal. “We hope we never have to depend on it, but the reality of disasters requires that we be prepared,” he concluded.
Arama-kurtarmada ‘Kahraman Fareler’ erami Antalya’da ve ılk olan projeyle 6 Afrika keseli sıçanı, enkaz elaşırinda hayat kurtaracak pic.twitter.com/ilD2LKjVV7 — Halk TV (@halktvcomtr) January 8, 2026
Illustrative Photo by IRINA LYADOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-person-touching-a-black-rat-8891138/
Leave a Reply