At ACES, our crocs travel in style

from Cherie Chenot-Rose and Vincent Rose of ACESGruff is an adult male Morelet (Crocodylus moreletii) almost seven feet long living in a man-made canal in Ladyville just outside of Belize City. After several citizens called Belize Forest Department (BFD) worried about how closely the croc was approaching them, ACES was called in to assess the situation. A three hour drive later, our suspicions were confirmed that the croc was indeed being fed by humans....humans? What's a human? Delicious and notorious and tastes just like chicken!
After several hours of net setting while two crocs watched us eagerly smelling the chicken we had for bait, we left the site. Only to return later that night to find a croc sitting at the mouth of the net. As of 9am the next morning, still no croc in the net. We drove back to PG (spotting many Jabiru Storks on the way) to take care of our pot-lickers. At 7 am the very next day, the call came that we had a croc in the net...of course we did...so back into the car for a 3 hr drive back up north. This trip we spotted two Picary (wild pigs) on coastal highway, which by the way is no where near the coast, but extremely bumpy and unpaved. Yes indeed the croc was still contained. We wrangled the croc out of the net growling and squirming and secured him for the long ride back to ACES. He was named Gruff due to the low growling noises he made continuously throughout his capture and the fact that he was and is very surly! So we all buckled up and sped home for a safe release. One more croc saved from eminent death. The alternative for problem reptiles like Gruff here in Belize is a shotgun.
Thanks for all the great responses to our donation situation and several of you may play a closer role in ACES's croc-crusade in the near future. Currently, we have a NPO already in place that is willing to help and we hope soon to reveal where to donate to for a tax deductible donation. Those who do not need a tax deduction, feel free to help directly to ACES. No amount is too small. We still need to complete the boardwalk between the croc viewing pens and put up hand rails for visitors safety. Thanks for your support and Helping to Take a Bite Out of Extinction!

ACES/American Crocodile Education Sanctuary
Marine Biologist Cherie Chenot-Rose
Water Hole Road, Forest Home
PO Box 108, Punta Gorda, Toledo
Belize, Central America
011-501-665-CROC(2762)
Help Take A Bite Out of Extinction!
Go to www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org

Pictures courtesy of ACES

ACCC and Lions commit to work together for the PolyClinic

Lions Melanie Paz and Baldemar Graniel, who also sit as Directors for the PolyClinic II, joined the Chamber for their regular Thursday luncheon to bring to light the issues surrounding the needs of the PolyClinic. Chief amongst the needs of the Polyclinic are proper staff, security, and more emergency care. As Lion Mel pointed out, government had agreed to work with the Lions to get the needs of the PolyClinic met based upon a contract signed between the two. As such, regular meetings are held between directors and the Lions who are committed to assisting in any which way to have all the needs met.
“What we are lacking the most of right now are Human Resources,” commented Lion Mel. As such, the biggest problem is housing. Currently, the Lions are working on securing donations which would assist in paying the $600 a month apartment for a nurse currently working at the PolyClinic. Should you want to offer any financial assistance kindly get in contact with Lion Mel.
ACCC stated to Lions that they are willing to help in any way possible. Lions explained that all decisions need to go through the Board of Directors at the PolyClinic but that Lions Mel and Baldemar would act as liaisons between ACCC and the PolyClinic. Together the two ended with a commitment to work together to see what are the best ways to move the clinic forward.

Fundraiser for Annie Rivero

Annie Rivero, married to Julian of CSM 2000 the computer shop on Pescador Drive (Middle Street) has been extremely sick. She is currently having regular dialysis and is in need of constant and costly medical treatment. San Pedro has a wonderful community and they sure know how to rally round when one of their members is in desperate need of assistance. This was shown when so many turned up for the blood drive held recently to give blood to assist with Annie’s care.

On Saturday the 25th, starting at 10:00am, there will be a big Food Sale in Central Park in front of the church. There will be plenty of great food and all funds raised will go to help Annie meet her ever growing medical bills. Even if you cannot attend yourself, please tell everyone you know (particularly if they are hungry).

Roadkill Bar Wed Karaoke

Wednesday nights come alive at Roadkill Bar with their karaoke. Sing to your heart's delight, belt out your best tunes and enjoy the notes and tunes. Roadkill Bar presents great entertainment. Tonight Thursday, enjoy an Open Mic Night. Sing, dance, perform, have a joke to share, come to Roadkill and take center stage.

Victoria House cleans up for Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, management and staff of The Victoria House took to picking up trash in their surrounding areas. In a short span, the staff collected bags full of garbage.