ACES at Isla Bonita

Cherie and Vince Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) were back at it on Thursday May 19th, imparting information about the American Crocodiles. This time around, the students of Isla Bonita Elementary School received the opportunity to acquire education, ask questions, and even touch one of the oldest animals in the world, dating back to the Dinosaur Age.
ACES is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Belize's critical wetland habitats and protected species, specifically Crocodilians, through scientific research and education in order to preserve Belize’s wildlife for future generations.

Further information about ACES may be found at their website http://www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org/, via email at acesnpo@hughes.net or by calling 011-501-631-6366.

Legends Burger House Hosts Fundraiser for American Crocodiles

For Immediate Release - May 11, 2011 - American Crocodile Education Sanctuary - Saturday, May 28, 2011 Legends Burger House, located north of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, is hosting the fundraiser of the year to help raise awareness and funds for crocodile conservation in Belize. The event will start at noon and continue through the night. There will be live music, including Gino and the Shack Shakers, food, beer, Crocoladas, piñatas, raffle prizes, a silent auction, educational crocodile displays, and fun for the whole family. Prizes include diving packages, dinners for two, artwork, and more. Not only is there no cover charge, but also you do not need to be present to win prizes. Thanks to the San Pedro Town Council the bridge fee will be waived for those attending.

There are less than 10,000 American crocodiles in the world today. ACES not only rescues problematic, ill, injured, and illegally kept crocodiles countrywide, but also is currently conducting an American crocodile population and habitat viability assessment on Ambergris Caye. This research will provide the Belize Forest Department with valuable information to devise a strategic crocodile conservation plan that will help save the species and while keeping human populations safe. Funds raised will be used for relocating problematic crocodiles from private and public areas and crocodile education. ACES will attend every school in Ambergris Caye and inform students on how to safely coexist with these apex predators.

ACES is also in the process of building a public educational crocodile eco-sanctuary on the mainland in Ladyville where ill, injured, and problematic crocodiles can live out their lives and while teaching people about the importance of these apex predators in Belize ecosystems.

Please come to Legends Fundraiser and help save these important apex predators. In laboratory studies, researches are finding that serum from crocodile blood kills HIV and Herpes viruses.

Bridge passes for the event are available at The San Pedro Sun, Legends, and ACES.

Come Help Legends Take a Bite Out of Extinction!

ACES/American Crocodile Education Sanctuary is a non-profit organization, permitted by the Belize Forest Department, dedicated to the conservation of Belize's protected species, specifically crocodilians, through scientific research and education in order to preserve Belize's wildlife for future generations.

An update on ACES American crocodile population and habitat viability assessment in Ambergris Caye, Belize, was published in the Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter and can be downloaded in PDF format from: http://americancrocodilesanctuary.org/apps/documents/

Prize donations are still welcome and can be made by calling 631-8162 or email acesnpo@hughes.net

If you cannot attend and still wish to help, donations can be made via check Payable To: ACES and mailed to: Cherie Rose, General Delivery, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize; direct deposits can be made to Belize Bank Acct#630-2-2-21-5255; or wire transfers from the USA can be sent to: Bank of America, Swiss Code Address: #BOFAUS3N, ABA#026009593, Belize Bank Acct#6550-8-26053, For further credit to: ACES Acct#630-2-2-21-5255.

ACES Croc Chronicles #4

Submitted by ACES Research Biologist Cherie Chenot-Rose

WASA Croc Problem Continues and Amplifies
On Tuesday, March 23rd, ACES headed south to continue the croc population survey. Attracted by three carts of people at WASA, the team stopped only to see one of the same problematic crocs that they had caught six months ago. This croc, missing a hind foot, is exceptionally fearless of man and extremely dangerous. When ACES croc behaviorist Vince Rose splashed the waters edge the croc immediately charged. Catching the team off-guard Vince was forced to quickly fix a lasso and catch the croc. The croc was so hostile that the rope was handed off to croc conservationist Chris Summers and Vince choose to jump on the head of the croc to subdue the animal. No sooner than catching the croc, a second croc aggressively approached the team as they worked quickly to secure the first croc. With no alternative, the team wrangled the second croc. Rite-Way General Contractors again generously donated transportation of the large apex predators to the Sniffin residence for safe keeping for the night. Sadly, both animals were in extremely poor health and condition with severe bite injuries most likely from a larger croc. Feeding the crocs is illegal. Not only does it make them more aggressive and prone to attack a human, but it also makes them attack each other as they fight for the free, easy meal. This was the first time ACES had caught the second croc. The croc had suffered a severe attack and was missing the larger part of its tail. It may not survive. Because of the injuries, or maybe due to a lack of prey in the WASA lagoon, both reptiles were starving. Due to their slow metabolism, it can take a large croc a year to slowly and painfully starve to death. This is just one more reason for supporting ACES relocation efforts of removing the largest predators from that area.

Testing a new theory, magnetic amplifiers were taped to the croc’s heads for their relocation to a secluded area north of San Pedro. Scientists believe that crocodilian’s spatial orientation is geared by the magnetic poles, much like in migratory birds. The idea is the magnets in the amplifiers will keep the animals from memorizing where they were relocated from and then will be less likely to return to their point of origin. Both crocs were tagged by scute-clipping prior to release for identification and for DNA and toxicity studying. The large animals were transported on a trailer donated by Tyler Cornell and Legends Burger House.

Croc Talk at the San Pedro Library
Lunchtime Monday the 28th at the San Pedro library was full of curiously excited students when Cherie and Vince of ACES showed up with a 3ft live American crocodile, of course it’s mouth was taped shut! Invited by SP Librarian Iracela Acosta and reading enrichment volunteer Liz Gibson Richards, the program started with some children reading out loud about crocodiles from books. Cherie then gave a question and answer presentation on the biology of the crocodiles found in Belize and the Belize Wildlife Protection Act (Chapter 220) that protects them. Always reminding the children that one has to go to school for proper training and then be permitted by the Belize Forest Department in order to work with any of Belize’s protected species, including crocodiles. At the close of the session each student who raised his or her hand and gave one crocodile fact was allowed to view the small reptile up close. It was very educational for everyone, and at the close of the presentation Mrs. Richards and Cherie brainstormed about the idea of a “naturalist” after school club for interested student. Anyone wishing to help, or would like to have an ACES presentation, please email Cherie at acesnpo@hughes.net.

American Crocodile Population Survey Update in Ambergris Caye for the Rufford Small Grants Foundation
From December 2010 to February 2011, one hundred and thirteen American crocodiles Crocodylus acutus were observed during spotlight and daylight surveys of a 72.42 km route (1.56 crocodiles/km) through coastal, mangrove, and lagoon habitats in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Of these, 32 (28.3%) were classified as ‘eye-shine only,’ and the remaining 81 (71.7%) where classified as hatchlings (20; 24.7%), juveniles (7; 8.6%), sub-adults (26; 32.1%), and adults (28; 34.6%). Out of the twenty-three tagged crocodiles, 12 (52.2%) were males and 11 (47.8%) were females. One Crocodylus acutus captured exhibited intermittent ventral scutes post cloacal. While this lends to the possibility hybridization (cross breeding of American and Morelet’s crocodile), DNA testing is needed for confirmation. Another C. acutus was captured with a ‘marbled eye.’ The crocodile’s vision did not appear impaired. A full report will be published in the next Crocodile Specialist Group newsletter. For grant opportunities go to http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/

Interview with Vince and Cherie Rose of ACES after the arson of ACES/American Crocodile Education Sanctuary by Wildlife Photographer Brandon Sideleau.
Be sure to tune into the one-hour croc log podcast and learn about Crocodilians and hear the latest croc news with Croc Expert Adam Britton and Wildlife Photographer Brandon Sideleau. Link: http://crocodilian.blogspot.com/2011/03/croclog-podcast-episode-4.html

Always remember to call ACES at 631-6366 if you have a croc problem or witness a croc crime.

ACES Croc Chronicles #2

Submitted by ACES Biologist Cherie Rose

Croc Being Illegally Harassed is Rescued
On Jan 13th, the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) received a call from the San Pedro Town Council about a croc in DFC near W&W Store. This time it wasn’t humans that were in peril, but the small crocodile that was stuck in a polluted water hole no more than 2ft deep. Every time the animal would come out to sun or try to escape kids would throw rocks at it, so obviously that croc needed to be rescued. On Wednesday, Jan 19th, ACES did just that.

At 11 am the ACES team arrived at the site. A few neighbors came out to watch and help if necessary. A couple children who were watching reported that just minutes prior to our arrival, some other children were again throwing rocks at the poor croc. Seems ACES arrived none too soon.

By 11:20 the croc was rescued, data collected, tagged and re-released in a secluded lagoon area south east of Port Authority. Although the 5ft 8in croc suffered several injuries to her back from the rocks, she seemed otherwise healthy. Swimming ‘happily’ in her new habitat, we don’t suspect she’ll try to return to DFC.

Some people may say kids will be kids; but throwing stones at crocodiles is illegal. American crocodiles, named so because they are only found in North, Central, and South America, are a protected species in Belize. Belizeans should be proud to have them here. Worldwide there are not many of their species left. We need them to keep the island’s environment healthy; so we must start trying to safely co-exist with them.

Vendors Illegally Selling Protected Species Parts
While kids may be kids, it is the adults who set the precedent for their behavior. Children learn by example, and on Thursday night, Jan 20th, around 7pm ACES received an anonymous call that there was a crocodile skull for sale at the town square. Not only is this illegal in Belize, but it is illegal worldwide to have in one’s possession any part of an American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, without the proper permits. Additionally, ACES was told that the vendor was wrongly informing tourists that they could indeed cross international borders with the skull. In the USA, the offense of smuggling a crocodile skull across International borders is punishable by up to twenty (20) years in a federal prison. I have to ask; how would Belize look as a country when an otherwise innocent tourist is arrested for smuggling crocodile parts, and then tells the world that a Belizean not only sold them the illegal croc skull, but also told them it was okay to take it across International borders?

Belize Forest Department (BFD) Wildlife Officer Rasheda Garcia- Sampson had just recently informed all the vendors that it is illegal to sell or even to have in one’s possession parts or pieces thereof from any protected species, including but not limited to crocodiles and jaguars. Some vendors evidently think they are above the laws of Belize. Thanks to communications between Chief Arnold and the BFD, for the first time on Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Police was able to enforce this law of the Belize Wildlife Protection Act (Chapter 220) and confiscate the illegal croc skull. For now, the skull will remain in the possession of the SP Police Department. ACES hopes to be allowed to use the skull in upcoming educational presentations on crocodilians and how to safely co-exist with them that will be open to the public and available to schools here on the island.

ACES sends a great big Thank You to everyone involved with both croc cases. Your help is taking a bite out of extinction!

ACES's mission is commitment to conserving Belize's critical habitats and protected species through scientific research and education to prevent further extinction of species Worldwide and to preserve Belize's wildlife for future generations. For more information about ACES or to report a problem croc please call 666-3871 or 631-6366.

Crocodile Confiscated

On Thursday December 23rd at around 10:00am, Vince Rose and Cherie Chenot-Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) received a phone call from the San Pedro Police Department informing them that the Police had confiscated a small American Crocodile. According to information received from the police, a man was seen walking in the San Mateo area, with the crocodile. The man was informed by the police officer of the risk he runs by having the crocodile in his possession. The police then took the crocodile and placed it in the care of the ACES team.

According to Biologist Chenot-Rose, the croc appeared to have been a captive animal as it was suffering from a condition called Belly Rot – Brown Spotting Disease, which is prevalent in ill kept crocs. The croc measured 40 inches (3ft 4in) and weighed about 10 pounds. There was a mark where it appeared to have been hooked in the back. The ACES team administered medical attention to the confiscated crocodile and held it under observation for 12 hours after which it was tagged and re-released into a small canal on the southern end of the island near the Port Authority.

The general public is reminded that it is ILLEGAL under the Laws of Belize Wildlife Protection Act, to capture, feed, harass or handle, or have in your possession any parts of a crocodile (including claws, teeth, skulls, skin, including use for jewelry). If caught, the first offence carries a fine of up to $500.00 and the second offence carries a fine of up to a $1000.00 and/or six months imprisonment.

Should you have a problem crocodile in your area, know of people illegally feeding or harassing them, or know of ones that are in illegal captivity you are asked to please call the Belize Forest Department at 822-1524 or ACES at 666-3871 or 631-6366.

ACES Crocodile Chronicles

Submitted by Cherie Chenot-Rose, ACES Biologist

Croc Crusaders
You’re never too young to rescue crocodiles as young Alexis learned when he assisted ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) in the rescue and re-release of a four month old baby crocodile named “Larry” that he helped save. Baby crocs up to a year old are called “hatchlings,” explained Cherie Chenot-Rose, Biologist, as she and Animal Behaviorist Vince Rose informed Alexis about these threatened and protected modern day dinosaurs.

When "Larry" was first confiscated from someone who was trying to illegally sell him, the ACES team took the opportunity to teach neighborhood children about the endangered croc.

Larry was malnourished and dehydrated.

In poor health it was uncertain if the hatchling would survive.

After much nurturing Larry makes a full recovery and is ready to re-released into the wild.

Vince shows Alexis how to properly release the animal.

On this particular rainy day release on Nov. 19th, Vince decided to show Alexis how to properly handle the baby croc, and let him assist in re-releasing the baby croc he was instrumental in saving. When “Larry” was first rescued he was close to starvation and had to be forced fed twice and given vitamins before the little croc began eating on its own. When a Crocodilian is severely stressed, they will often refuse to eat. Crocs as large as 10 feet in length have been know to actually starve to death when subjected to high stress. This severe stress is usually due to improper husbandry, or care, and handling.

Baby croc Larry was lucky when Alexis properly and promptly contacted ACES and let them do their job. Now, a few months later, Larry is healthy, tagged and swimming free. “What most people do not realize is that less than 1% of the eggs in a crocodile’s nest will hatch and grow to reach a size at which they can reproduce, or sexual maturity,” states Chenot-Rose. Although the exact croc population on Ambergris Caye is currently undetermined, it is a know fact in the scientific community that it is the last stronghold for this keystone species.

ACES in Action
ACES has been busier than ever, with two other successful re-releases last weekend. “Crocoberry”, a 7 ft. 7” problematic male croc was rescued from the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Castleberry in San Pablo where he had taken up residence sunbathing in their canal-side backyard. The Castleberry’s had contacted ACES about their unwanted croc and treated the ACES team to a home cooked meal (complete with Wayne’s birthday cake) and cinnamon rolls to go in appreciation of their assistance.

The following day the team was called upon to relocate “Sampson,” an 8ft male croc, from the DFC area. “This was the most rewarding croc rescue so far,” stated Vince, “due to the tremendous amount of support and assistance from the DFC community.” Sampson’s rescue took 5 hours as he was extremely crafty at eluding croc wrangler Vince, who fearlessly crawled under houses in waist-deep waters in the dark. Finally lassoing Sampson, Vince found the croc to be a tagged ACES croc, proving that Sampson is a returning, problematic croc. Sampson was re-released for his final time. If captured again as a problematic animal, Sampson’s fate may be death. With nowhere else to place him, ACES and the Belize Forest Department cannot take the chance of him harming more pets or even worse, possibly a child.

This neighbor was happy to have "Sampson" removed from underneath his house.

Crocs on Ambergris
ACES is currently conducting a croc population survey and size distribution on Ambergris Caye. “Although no grants have come through yet to fund our efforts we just can’t sit still, so we’re taking the opportunity to collect pertinent data during rescues,” states Cherie. Vince and Cherie have collected scientific data on all of the problem crocs being relocated as well as collecting date while conducting croc “eye-shine” surveys. The animals are humanly captured; data such as size, sex and general health are recorded, then tagged and released. When rescuing crocs, such as the previously tagged one from the DFC area, the information collected will allow ACES to write an extremely needed Crocodile Conservation Plan for the island and present their findings to the Belize Forest Dept.

While still waiting for a reply from various grant applications, including PACT, ACES really wishes they had a hand held GPS to be able to collect accurate sighting and croc locations. Regardless, the croc population study will continue. Vince and Cherie are overwhelmed at the respect and participation of all the local Croc Crusaders on Ambergris Caye and stated that this support is what motivates them to continue to move forward.

For more information about ACES or to report a problem croc please call 666-3871 or
631-6366.

ACES's mission is commitment to conserving Belize's critical habitats and protected species through scientific research and education to prevent further extinction of species Worldwide and to preserve Belize's wildlife for future generations.

Now Available: Croc Pops!!

Alexis and the delicious Croc Pop

The Cotton Tree Chocolate factory in Punta Gorda has made a donation to the ACES founders, now relocated to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. After the devastating loss of their sanctuary and home last month, Vince and Cherie Rose (founders of ACES) have been working towards rebuilding their lives and of course, to continue their work with the American Crocodiles.
Helping the couple is Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory, a company based out of Punta Gorda. They have created the fun Croc Pops – chocolates in the shapes of crocodiles – which will be sold in stores in Punta Gorda and Ambergris Caye. The sale proceeds will go towards the rebuilding of ACES on Ambergris Caye. Juli Puryear of Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory was in the San Pedro Sun office dropping off some delicious treats for the staff, along with Cherie Rose and ACES friend Alexis.
The Croc Pops will be sold for $2.50 a piece, and again, all proceeds go towards the rebuilding of ACES.

Juli and Cherie

Belize Forest Department Issues Press Release Regarding ACES

September 29, 2010 - The American Crocodile Education Sanctuary ( ACES) has been working under the Authority of the Belize Forest Department since 2006. The sanctuary was established to provide a refuge to ‘problem’ crocodiles which would have otherwise have to be killed. ACES also rehabilitates crocodiles for release back into the wild and has also conducted research in the south of the country.
ACES was first allowed to capture and relocate problem crocodiles from Punta Gorda, Belize City and Ambergris Caye but with increasing reports of problem crocodiles from other parts of the country, the organization was given the authority to respond to such reports along with the Belize Forest Department.

ACES has also played an import role in educating locals and foreigners alike on the need for the continued protection of both Morelet's and American Crocodiles in Belize. ACES has been working closely with the Forest Department and have not at any time operated without authorization.

###

Belize Forest Department
Headquarters: Forest Drive, Belmopan
Phone Numbers: (501) 822-1524/2079
Email: wildlife@mnrei.gov.bz
Fax: 822-1523

ACES Croc Capture

RECAP from ACES - www.YOUTUBE.com posting:
ACES / American Crocodile Education Sanctuary catches two large problematic American Crocodiles on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize less than 24 hrs before the ACES wildlife sanctuary in Punta Gorda Belize was burnt to the ground. These large crocs had no fear of man, or woman, due to being illegally fed by locals as a 'tourist attraction.' ACES has been educating the communities and relocating these dangerous apex predators at the request of the Belize Forest Department for over four years now country-wide in Belize. These two crocs reportedly were blocking the passage of golf carts in the streets of Ambergris Caye and were found lying under homes where women and children resided. Having being fed, the crocs had no fear and most likely one day would attack. Crocodilians of this size that have been fed by humans in other countries are usually shot. ACES tries to rescue every croc it can and these two were headed to ACES Croc Sanctuary in PG on Sunday. Unfortunately, hours prior to their departure, ACES received word that local villagers were about to burn down the facility and kill crocs at the sanctuary. By noon the rumors were confirmed by the PG police. These crocs were re-released on San Pedro later that day because there was nowhere else to take them to keep people out of harm's way. ACES has conducted croc presentations on how to safely co-exist in practically every school on San Pedro since 2008.

Crocodile Sanctuary in Belize Destroyed by Mob

ACES team captures a problematic croc on Ambergris Caye.

Press Release - Amercian Crocodile Education Sanctuary - September 6, 2010 - In the early morning hours of September 5th, a frenzied mob of Mayan-Belizean villagers set fire to the American Crocodile sanctuary that a Colorado,USA couple spent the last six years creating. “We’ve lost everything,” said Cherie Chenot-Rose, co-owner and founder of the American Crocodile Sanctuary for Education (ACES). The sanctuary was located in Punta Gorda, Belize.

The mob was apparently riled in to a frenzy by a Mayan “psychic” who claimed that two children, who have been missing for the last week, had been fed to the crocodiles at the sanctuary. It is alleged that the same group of villagers are responsible for burning other homes in the past several months in the Toledo District, the southern most portion of Belize.

Luckily, Cherie and her husband Vince Rose were in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye when the mob attacked. At the request of the Belize Forest Department the team were rescuing three problem crocs, and meeting with top Belize tourism officials discussing the prospect of creating an American Crocodile sanctuary on the island.

Reports are that the mob shot and killed some of the 17 crocs held in captivity at the sanctuary. Also destroyed were the Rose’s two story home that included a laboratory and nursery for baby crocs. One baby American Crocodile was to be flown to Chicago to the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest, Ill. USA for the first ever animal exchange program between Belize and the USA. Over $2,500 in vet supplies that were recently donated for a new humane society that Cherie, along with other locals were working on in Punta Gorda were also lost. “This one wrongful incident has effected and hurt many innocent people and animals,” added Cherie.

Also destroyed by the fire were two cabañas where visiting guests and research students would stay.

Vince and Cherie are now homeless and do not have anything to their name, said Cherie. “Our lives have been threatened if we return to Punta Gorda,” she said. “We are not sure how to handle the situation, but the villagers and the country of Belize need to be held accountable,” stressed Rose.

Seeking help from the United States Embassy in Belize proved to be fruitless. “They just told us what it will cost to replace our passports,” Vince grumbled.

The two missing children have yet to be found. They were reportedly in Punta Gorda with their father and uncle to sell lime and craboo on Monday and were last seen in Cattle Landing Village a few miles out of town. “We pray these children turn up safely,” said Cherie. The Roses were not connected with the children in any way. The Roses were in San Pedro at the time the children disappeared.

Social media sites including facebook.com and belizeforums.com are buzzing with discussions about the ACES tragedy. “As all the emails come in with help and prayers I'm having a hard time holding it together,” wrote Cherie on her FACEBOOK page. “God Bless you all for being there… We have lost literally everything of our lives. Not just what we built here the past 6 years, but everything…This is going to be a long hard process, but we are going to fight and not run away. There will be another ACES somewhere … some day. Heart broken, but happy Vince and I are unharmed.”

Donations can be made:
International wiring account number for donations
Belize Bank # 630-1-1-10130
Account# Vince & Cherie Rose Fire Victim Account

Related links:
http://www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org/

http://www.facebook.com/aces.american.crocodiles

END

ACES compound on the Rio Grande River in Punta Gorda, Belize

ACES Hosts First Ever Fund Raising Event in Punta Gorda

ACES founders Cherie & Vince Rose welcome their guests.

On Friday, August 13th the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) held their first fund raising event ever at the Coral House Inn in Punta Gorda. Situated on the inviting ocean-side grounds and pool area of the Inn, the evening was well attended by local supporters and tourists visiting the area. Guests enjoyed live guitar music and vocals by “Croc Man” Vince Rose who is the Animal Behaviorist at ACES, savored a variety of hors d’oeuvres generously donated by friends and local businesses and sipped cocktails and drink specials.

The night was highlighted by two fire dance performances by Marisa Tellez who is a student intern at ACES and a PhD candidate specializing in Crocodilian Parastiology.

A raffle was held at the end of the night where guests anxiously awaited to hear if they had won cashew wine or a special tour of the ACES facility. The evening, full of socializing and entertainment was enjoyed by all who attended.

ACES is permitted by the Belize Forest Department (BFD) and rescues problematic, inhumanely and illegally kept crocodiles country-wide. Problematic crocodiles cannot be re-released because they have been fed by humans and now seek out humans as a food source. Instead of euthanizing these large reptiles, and in order to help save this threatened species from extinction, ACES contains the animals in secure, natural habitats where they are professionally cared for while educating local school children and raising public awareness on how to safely co-exist with these highly threatened apex predators.

This problematic Amercian Crocodile, named "Satan" by the locals, is one of the many relocated to ACES from Ambergris Caye.

The proceeds raised from the recent fund raiser will enabled ACES to purchase one more roll of fencing for a new croc habitat at their facility. Currently 80% of the crocs housed at ACES are from Ambergris Caye where they had to be removed after deemed dangerous by the BFD. The new natural containment area will be for 'Fast Eddie', the 10 foot American Crocodile recently rescued from the WASA lagoon south of San Pedro. The croc was named after Eddie from Coastal Xpress in recognition of their generous support in quickly transporting two crocs to the mainland for their transport to ACES in Punta Gorda. The second croc, a female, was named Xanadu in appreciation for the hospitality and exceptional support from Xanadu Island Resort and Carts Belize. While Xanadu is residing nicely with three other rescued crocs from Ambergris, a new facility needs to be finished for Fast Eddie. Large male American Crocs over 10 feet need individual space or they will fight till death. $5,000BZ still needs to be raised to complete his new home. He is currently in a holding pen receiving special care until construction is completed. Fast Eddie is a very sick croc, lacking teeth just like the croc from Banyan Bay, “Bubbles” who passed away during a rescue effort.

The ACES compound (left) is located on the Rio Grande river in Punta Gorda.

Cherie Chenot-Rose, ACES biologist, will be on the island the end of the month to discuss the extreme importance of a crocodile population survey on Ambergris Caye. According to Chenot-Rose, one of ACES long-term goals is to remedy the croc-human conflict on Ambergris by establishing a crocodile sanctuary on the island so that problematic crocs do not have to endure the stress of such a long transport. The sanctuary would not only provide a safe contained habitat for the problematic crocs right here on the island, but would provide a place for implementing an educational program at a facility where people could learn about the unique wildlife of the island. In addition, such a sanctuary would yield huge economic benefits to the community. The population assessment is the first step of a crocodilian conservation effort on Ambergris Caye.

ACES would like to thank all those who helped with the successful fund raiser. Cottontree Chocolate, Judith Supaul, Josephine Supaul, James Store, Whitts Store, Coral House Inn and The San Pedro Sun. For more information about ACES please visit their website at www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org.

Two Problematic Crocs Removed from WASA Lagoon

On Thursday, July 15th, Wildlife Officer Rasheda Sampson of the Belize Forest Department (BFD) and the ACES / American Crocodile Education Sanctuary team captured two, large problematic crocodiles from the WASA lagoon area south of San Pedro Town. The crocs, showing no fear of humans, came rushing out of the water when approached, looking for a chicken handout. This is not a normal behavior for wild American Crocodiles, Crocodylus acutus, which are primarily fish eaters. Normally an apex predator of this size would move away from human activities. These crocs, having been illegally fed for years as a tourist attraction, have been conditioned to seek humans out for food.
The ACES team, consisting of Vince and Cherie Rose, BFD Wildlife Officer Rasheda Sampson, and Crocodilian Parasitologist PhD Student Marisa Tellez, consider the capture to be a success and hope that these two animals are the last of the problematic crocs from direct illegal feedings. Both rescued crocodiles were transported to ACES in Punta Gorda and are adapting to their new environment. The ten-foot male crocodile was named ‘Fast Eddie’ after Eddie from Coastal Xpress who generously and quickly transported the crocodiles from Ambergris Caye to Belize City. The nine-foot plus female croc was named Xanadu in honor of Xanadu Island Resort who graciously donated lodging and transportation for ACES team.

Although the relocation is considered a success, removing the problematic crocs is just a band-aid to the situation. Ideally, the community needs to continue to work on not feeding these modern day dinosaurs by discouraging the illegal croc feedings and also by properly disposing of food wastes. These actions, combined with education, should in time allow humans to safely coexist with this extremely important species.

American Crocodiles are in threat of becoming endangered throughout their entire range. Found only in the Americas (North, Central and South), Belize is the last stronghold for this millions-of-years-old species. The destruction of mangrove nesting habitats due to development, low hatchling survival rates, and needless killings are causing the demise of these magnificent reptiles. According to ACES biologist Cherie Chenot-Rose, this area was their home first, and “Belizeans should be proud to share their heritage with these native animals.”

Working with the Belize Forest Depart, ACES has determined that in order to properly understand and manage the crocodiles in the area a population assessment must be conducted on Ambergris Caye. Not only will this study give an estimate of the number, size, and location of crocodiles on the island, but it will give a look at the health of the population as well. During recent relocation missions ACES has noticed that several of the large, wild crocs are lacking teeth and showing signs of illness. One of the crocs relocated to ACES from this most recent capture demonstrates the same signs of illness as ‘Bubbles,’ the croc from Ambergris Lake that died last month during a rescue attempt. “The community should be very concerned. When a species at the top of the food chain starts to become ill in the wild, something is very wrong in the environment,” stated Chenot-Rose.

Chenot-Rose will be in San Pedro the first week of August to raise funds for the population study. The proposal has been approved by the BFD; however, there are no funds available to cover the costs of such a study. “I intend to ‘beat the pavement’ so to speak with the proposal and am very confident that members of the community will realize the extreme importance of the study and show their support by donating to this pertinent Crocodile Conservation effort,” commented Chenot-Rose. “ACES long-term goal is to remedy the croc-human conflict on Ambergris by establishing a crocodile sanctuary on the island so that problematic crocs do not have to endure the stress of such a long transport. The sanctuary would not only provide a safe contained habitat for the problematic crocs right here on the island, but would provide a place for implementing an educational program at a facility where people could learn about the unique wildlife of the island. In addition, such a sanctuary would yield huge economic benefits to the community. The population assessment is the first step of this grand Crocodilian Conservation effort,” Chenot-Rose concluded. While here Chenot-Rose hopes to visit with the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce and predominant community members.
ACES would like to thank the following for their generous support in the relocation of the two problematic crocs from WASA lagoon to ACES: Coastal Xpress, Xanadu Island Resort, Carts Belize, The San Pedro Sun, South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch, Blanca of Xanadu Island Resort, Mr. Joe, Steve Lee, Mary, Alberto Lunez, Edwine Garma, Ali Gongorn and Captain Israel Esquivel.
For more information about the population study and/or project, or if you would like to arrange a meeting with Chenot-Rose while she is here in August please email her at acesnpo@hughes.net. For more information about ACES please visit their website at www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org