The PDSA Gold Medal is an award instituted in 2002 that is given to civilian animals for exceptional devotion to duty and life-saving bravery. Magawa is the 30th recipient of the PDSA Gold Medal and the first non-canine to receive it.

The charity’s founder, Maria Dickin, created the Animal Awards Programme back in 1943. She believed that recognizing animals for their heroics would raise their status in society and ensure better treatment. Besides the PDSA Gold Medal, the charity also awards the PDSA Dickin Medal, the PDSA Order of Merit, and the PDSA Commendation.