Saving Wildlife On The Cayes of Belize

The last few months have been the most difficult in Aces Wildlife Rescue’s history. It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Chris Summers, the co-founder and director of operations of Aces Wildlife Rescue. Chris selflessly dedicated 14 years of his life to wildlife conservation on Ambergris Caye. His commitment to helping the community learn to live in harmony with the natural world was infectious and inspired many to join him in spreading this mission. Day and night, weekends, holidays, Chris was always available to help an animal or community member in-need. He made a difference in the lives of local residents, native wildlife, and visitors who came to the island. If you ever had the pleasure of attending an educational event or rescue and got to listen to Chris speak, you were likely completely entranced by his animation, knowledge, and compassion. He was the perfect person for the role of wildlife activist and we are forever grateful for his years of dedication to the cause. We miss Chris everyday.

Since his passing, Aces Wildlife Rescue has continued the course, staying committed as our leader taught us. We have taken in 72 rescues of 25 different species since our last update in May. American crocodiles took up a large portion of these intakes, as an entire clutch of eggs was accidentally unearthed on a construction site. As the development on Ambergris Caye continues, there has been a reduction in suitable nesting sites for our vulnerable American crocodile population. One mama croc thought she had adapted though, and decided to lay her eggs in the construction sand pile that was on the edge of the lagoon. When the sand was sold, a digger began excavating the pile for transport, only to find eggs starting to tumble out, and this movement triggered them to start hatching! The caring employees gathered all the eggs and hatching baby crocs they could find and called us immediately. In our care over the next few days, all 19 of the viable eggs in the clutch hatched into healthy and active crocodiles and together as a group, they were released in a location where they can grow and thrive without threat from people. 

Chris started his journey with Aces inspired by a facination with crocodiles. It’s only fitting that in the days after his passing, new crocodilian life emerged, were rescued, and set free to begin their lives. May his soul swim as freely as these crocs now do. 

Thank you so much to our supporters, especially those who have donated in the past few months. As we grieve, it has been a huge relief to know we have your support to help us get through this incredibly tough transition. Your support means the world. Thank you for continuing to believe in our work.