Two Chicks and a Hoe
We’re gonna dig deep into some really amazing people and topics — cultivating ideas about nature, the environment and conservation — in your backyard and globally. We want to share stories with you where the only intention may be for you to say,“Wow, I didn’t know that!”…and now that you do, maybe you might think about your relationship with it differently, share the information with a friend or get involved.
Two Chicks and a Hoe
Here They Come to Save the Day - HeroRATs
Think rats are pests? Think again. Meet the HeroRATs — a team of highly trained Giant African Pouched Rats saving lives around the world. Through the nonprofit APOPO, these intelligent rodents are sniffing out landmines, detecting tuberculosis, and even helping stop wildlife trafficking.
In this episode, we dig into how these whiskered heroes work with astonishing accuracy and speed—clearing minefields in places like Cambodia, Mozambique, and Ukraine, and screening up to 100 TB samples in just 30 minutes (a job that would take a lab technician a week!). They're also being trained to help in disaster zones and uncover illegal smuggling routes.
Smarter than you'd think, lighter than dogs, and far less expensive, HeroRATs are flipping the script on what it means to be a lifesaving partner. And yes—they get monthly vet visits, retirement plans, and plenty of playtime.
This is the story of courage, compassion, and the unexpected allies changing the world one sniff at a time.
APOPO
Interview with: Erin Sackett
Thank you to APOPO for images
Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.