Embed

Isaac. The Story of a Little Giant

Meet the landmine-detecting super rat!

African Giant pouched rats can detect explosives, thanks to their powerful sense of smell. One African NGO, APOPO (Anti-Personnel Landmines Removal Product Development), trains the animals in its breeding centre in Tanzania. APOPO graduates are then sent to mine-infested countries all over the world, to help sappers locate the treacherous weapons that still kill after wars have ended.

RTD visits the centre in Tanzania, and follows the fortunes of Isaac, a new-born African giant pouched rat who is destined for greatness. APOPO workers demonstrate how Isaac is trained to associate TNT with food and bonds with his trainer. A trip to the minefields of Cambodia also reveals why Isaac has to wear sunscreen, and exactly how good the rodent is at his job.

Follow stories the mainstream media ignores: Follow RTD's Twitter

WATCH FILM
Please rate this film

0.00(0 users)

Duration

0:30

Tags

don't miss

26:33
Military and War 25 June 2018 00:00

Mine Country. Civilian sappers risk their lives to clear ISIS mines in Libya

26:33
Military and War 18 December 2017 00:00

Western Sahara: Determined. Sahrawi women risk their lives to clear ancestral lands of mines

26:33
Human Rights 09 April 2014 00:00

Albino Africa. Albinos in Tanzania assaulted and maimed for the colour of their skin

26:33
Travel and Adventure 29 September 2014 00:00

Kilimanjaro Challenge. Three disabled men reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

26:33
Human Rights 13 January 2017 00:00

Bride Trade. Fighting Tanzania's child bride tradition

26:33
Society 02 November 2015 00:00

Migingo: The Iron-clad Island. The most densely populated island in Africa

26:33
Human Rights 31 October 2016 00:00

Stitched up in Cambodia. When having a baby means losing your job

26:33
Personalities 07 April 2017 00:00

Cambodia’s Hollywood Dad. Scott Neeson: From Hollywood highs to Cambodia’s slum kids

26:33
Society 15 October 2018 00:30

My Mother Sold Me. Cambodia, where virginity is a commodity

26:33
Military and War 19 October 2022 12:00

Demining Donbass. Sappers risk their lives clearing Donbass from Ukrainian mines

26:33
Emergencies and Disasters 16 August 2021 17:00

Elephant Boom COVID Gloom. How Kenya’s economy survived lockdown

26:33
Travel and Adventure 31 October 2011 00:00

The Shantar Islands: Braving the Storm. A voyage to the most inaccessible islands in Russia's Far East

26:33
Meeting with Nature 24 June 2013 00:00

Saving Seals. Ban on harp seal hunting: an end to brutality or harming traditional hunters?

26:33
Professions 22 September 2014 00:00

In the Cage. Famous Russian animal tamers "The Zapashny Brothers" at work

26:33
Meeting with Nature 14 December 2015 00:00

Bear with Me. Preparing bear cubs for the perils of the wild

26:33
Environment 27 May 2020 01:31

Chukotka: Unconquered. The making of Freed to be Wild. Adventures in the land of bears and endless days

26:33
Discovering Russia 06 April 2020 01:00

Freed to Be Wild. The endangered animals of Russia and the dedicated people who save them

26:33
Environment 15 June 2020 13:30

Antarctica. Terra Somniantes. Penguins, scientists and Vostok base, a taste of Antarctica’s magic

26:33
Emergencies and Disasters 10 August 2020 18:00

Good Deed Heroes. The volunteer rescue service that gets pets and pensioners out of scrapes

26:33
Meeting with Nature 04 January 2017 00:00

It's a Pandaful Life! How China is saving the giant panda from extinction

VIEWER’S CHOICE: 1,000,000 VIEWS AND MORE

VIEW ALL