HeroRATS in zoos near you
APOPO has partnered with zoos across America to create a traveling HeroRAT zoo exhibit. We aim to bring the story and incredible life saving work of HeroRATs to facilities across the US. Whether employed to detect tuberculosis, find landmines, or to sniff out trafficked wildlife parts, the impact of HeroRATs has touched countless lives. The exhibit showcases the natural lives of the species and their unique relationships with humans.
TRAVELING EXHIBIT
For the first time, HeroRATs are on exhibit! We have developed a comprehensive zoo program to showcase the story of the species and their scent detection capabilities. HeroRATs are housed in enclosures visible to the public with routine daily encounters where rats are brought outside for public demonstrations. Watch the scent detection process for yourself as a zookeeper guides guests and a HeroRAT through their training and impact around the world. Private encounters may also be available.
PERMANENT ZOO RESIDENTS
Several HeroRATs have already been living as ambassadors with a small selection of US zoos for years. These rats live in special enclosures off-exhibit, but are regularly brought out to meet guests in public encounters. Contact the affiliated zoos listed below to find out when and where you can see their resident HeroRAT ambassadors.
For more information, check APOPO’s social media and the following zoo’s websites as the scheduled hosting draws near
Hosting zoo |
Schedule |
| Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS | June – August 2025 |
| The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA | December 2025 – TBD |
