ACES American Crocodile Education Sanctuary

ACES went to Ambergris over the weekend to possibly rescue three large problematics crocodiles. The one in Belize must have moved on, because it could not be found. The croc problem on Ambergris by the police station was investigated. ACES Team did see the crocodile; however, it acted like a crocodile should and steered away from us. We enticed it with a chicken and although curious, it was still very leery. Then it took off and hid. This crocodile has eaten a dog; however, it did not show signs of being fed nor being dangerous. There was a lot of garbage nearby and most likely the croc, being attracted by the scent of rotting food waste, ate the dog while it was eating the garbage. We all must work hard on keeping food waste away from waterways. And, here's a link to the story on third problematic crocodile, which was problematic and ACES successfully caught: Problem Croc Removed from Local Lake

Gear is packed and we're ready to go! ACES will be heading to Belmopan to pick up Wildlife Officer Rasheda Sampson, and then off to Belize City to scout out the first of three problematic crocodiles.

Then we'll take a water taxi over to 'Isle a Bonita' and scout out two other large problem crocodiles that have been seen eating local pets. More to Come!

A bright new bird chirping morning it is in the jungle here in PG, but a very sad one too. Ripley, the tortured croc ACES and the BFD rescued from Corozal, will have to be euthanized today. The stress he endured along with the severity of his injuries has caused him to contract septicemia. Ripley is now suffering and death is inevitable. ACES takes condolence in knowing that at least Ripley got to spend his last few weeks swimming around and interacting with other crocs, as opposed to dying chained to a tree in the surf as a spectacle. Although he is very sick, he still kept his individual croc personality. Few got to see him, and those that did felt his anguish and prayed he'd recover. One could look beyond Ripley's 'empty eyes' and actually see the life he so effortlessly tried to cling onto, making one feel the need inside them to be alive. The question we here at ACES now have to ask ourselves, are we holding onto him for his benefit of survival or for our undefinable reasons of selfishness? It is time to say goodbye to one of Gods's dearest creatures and hope and pray that his strength to survive can teach the people of Belize how fortunate they are to have this magnificent species in their waters and to take pride in all the wildlife that is found here; for each species, however minute or dangerous, plays a vital role in their very existence by keeping Belize's precious environment in balance. ACES asks that everyone who reads this, no matter what country you live in, take a moment today to stop for one minute and take in this amazing World we live in; and how just like Ripley, no matter what bad we do to it as humans, it struggles to survive to keep us alive. And remember, that if we don't start changing our behaviors collectively to treat it with more pride, someday, it to will no longer exist. Rest in peace dear friend Ripley. 

Due to being unequipped to properly tend to the severity of Ripley's injuries combined with the exhausting searching of relatively minimal funding available for crocodiles (which I attribute to their lack of fur), ACES is willing to try to start a modern facility in Punta Gorda to treat wildlife and local pets, a HUMANE Society. ACES owners will give the use of a personally owned concrete building in PG Town toward the cause if we can get enough supports to make this facility come true. If humanity to animals is the lesson of this story, let's start with all the neglected pets due to poverty and flat out lack of availability of assistance and materials. And once such a facility is in place, then someday it may also save the life a wild croc, or a wild fox like Foxie. 

Thank you, with all our aching hearts at ACES, to all of you who assisted with Ripley's rescue, the rescues of all the crocs here at ACES, and all of you who support and have assisted directly and indirectly with ACES's Croc-Crusade. 

I now must go and perform a necropsy.

Hi All,

Sorry I've been slacking on ACES's Croc Blog. I herniated a couple discs and Vince was bitten by a venomous spider and had sever skin narcosis. He was treated by a bush Doctor, I opted for modern medicine; but we both are fine and healing fast. Here's a link to ACES's latest: Ripley's Last Chance  and you can click on ACES's News to see what all else ACES has accomplished.

Happy Easter Croc Fans!

Click Here for a great article on ACES written by author Katerina Lorenzatos Makris.

Click ere to See Why Americen Crocodiles in Belize Need Your Help!

ACES / American Crocodile Education Sanctuary is permitted by the Belize Forest Department and rescues problematic, and inhumanely and illegally kept crocodiles country-wide. These rescued crocodiles currently need a larger habitat. These problematic 12 foot crocodiles cannot be re-released, because they have been fed by humans. Just like bears, these apex predators now seek out humans as a food source and their only other alternative is to be killed. ACES houses these large reptiles to help save this threatened species from extinction and in hopes of aiding researchers in finding cures for diseases. In laboratory studies, Crocodilian blood kills HIV and Herpes simplex. So contact ACES today and learn how you can help 'Take a Bite Out of Extinction!

This helpless little American Crocodile, named 'Ace,' was rescued by TIDE Rangers and is currently being rehabilitated here at ACES.  Due to the extent of the croc's injuries, having been completely blinded in its right eye and paralyzed in its right nostril which restricts its breathing, Ace's only hope of survival is in captivity. ACES’s newest partner, The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm in Illinois, has offered to adopt and care for Ace. Recognized as one of the top Wildlife Conservation Education Facilities by the USA National Wildlife Federation, the Wildlife Discovery Center (WDC) is run through the City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department. With CITES import and export permits already applied for, WDC is trying to raise funds to cover the costs of Ace’s trip to the USA. Once Ace safely arrives at WDC, this highly threatened animal will help teach children and adults the importance of apex predators, like crocodiles, in the World's ecosystems while raising funds for crocodilian conservation efforts in Belize. So check back here at ACES’s Croc Blog and ‘Follow Ace’ as ACES and WDC work together in efforts with the Belize Forest Department to raise International awareness of the importance of Saving Our Species (SOS)!  Join the efforts by contacting ACES or WDC and help take a bite out of extinction!