Is there any cultural problem in handling rats?
In APOPO’s experience, all trainers who have been employed to train the animals (mostly Tanzanians) have picked up the training job quickly. There have been no cases of fear among the trainers, nor cases of mistreating or rough handling of the rats, which could initiate fear in them. In general we observe quite gentle handling and respectful interaction with the animals. Based on this positive experience, APOPO expects that users in the de-mining community will quickly get accustomed to this new approach. Future experience at different locations might reveal cultural differences related to the acceptance of Mine Detection Rats. There have been some areas as well were de-mining dogs were not appreciated on religious grounds .Thus far, the initial reactions of the beneficiary communities and demining organizations are very positive.
