After years of saving lives, this rat, known to detect TB, gets the sweetest retirement party

Tuberculosis, a fatal disease remains a worldwide concern even today. With so many medical advancements, although, there has been a sharp decline in TB cases, it hasn't been fully eradicated. Among the frontline warriors who have significantly contributed to skillfully detecting tuberculosis and preventing the deadly infection from spreading is Carolina. Yes, we are talking about the African rat who not only successfully identified over 3,000 tuberculosis cases but also helped more than 30,000 people from the infection. However, after a remarkable career that lasted for nearly 7 years, Carolina retired in November 2024. And to celebrate her legacy, life-saving work, and of course, determination, a grand retirement party was arranged. 

A beautiful video of Capturing Carolina's well-deserved retirement celebration at the APOPO foundation (@herorats on social media) was posted on their official Instagram page, showcasing the admiration she earned for her work. In the heartwarming Instagram reel, the dedicated staff of APOPO greeted Carolina with rounds of applause and a meticulously prepared special cake—because a hero of her caliber deserves nothing less than an extravagant celebration. "Over her 6.8-year career, she participated in 2,006 TB evaluation sessions, screening 208,235 patient samples and identifying 3,126 new TB cases that had initially been missed by health clinics," the non-profit organization revealed in the caption. 

Moreover, the foundation shared that Carolina had detected 45.4% of the new TB cases singlehandedly, ensuring that the patients received timely treatment. "Her impact will continue to inspire our next generation of HeroRATs, and we are deeply grateful for the support you’ve shown her over the years. Thank you for helping make Carolina’s incredible journey possible," they added. Meanwhile, reacting to the heartfelt post, @the.travelling.wrinklies commented, "You learn something new every day! That’s amazing, and it’s extra special to know you all still care for them in retirement. Thank you!" Similarly, @kimberleywatsonsilvermodel shared, "This is wonderful to see—and know they are valued after their retirement!" @kunta_and_kinte wrote, "Love this. Animals are so skilled. Happy retirement, Carolina!" 

@tameehylton revealed, "Very insightful! Never knew rats were able to detect TB! Learning something today. Happy retirement, Carolina!" @carmen.amelia14 commented, "Go Carolina, and I hope you have a good retirement together with your rat friends!" @vintagemabel shared, "Beautiful girl! I love how the people are singing her name at her retirement party. I was sponsoring Carolina and wish her a long, happy, healthy retirement." On the other hand, @helen_sylk commented, "Oh wow, celebrations for rats. I love this! I would love to take care of retired rats. What a beauty, and how very nice for you all to celebrate the life of what other people would call a nasty animal. When will people understand? Just how intelligent and wonderful are rats?"

@jessie_redcrow said, "This is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I knew the Hero Rats worked to sniff IEDs/buried explosives, but I had NO IDEA they could also sniff out tuberculosis! That is so GREAT! I honestly feel like these wonderful little beings should be members of every healthcare organization around the world!!! Just …WOW! Thank you for your service!" @nellytarpy wrote, "Beautiful Carolina! You have enlightened many about the brilliant intelligence of your species that warrants our RESPECT and APPRECIATION of your species." @amberjeavons1 commented, "Beautiful girl! Well-deserved congratulations and a gorgeous cake to celebrate."

You can follow the APOPO foundation (@herorats) on Instagram for more updates on HeroRATS.