While working in Belize we had and incredible opportunity to assist with a crocodile rescue with ACES (American Crocodile Educational Sanctuary). Belize is home to the American Crocodile, which can reach lengths up to 20 feet long, but rarely reaching above 14ft in the wild. These incredible animals are challenged with habitat loss, pollution and poaching on a daily basis. This specific crocodile (which we named Thomas) has swallowed a plastic bag tied to a fishing line, which we believe is the result of an illegal feeding show. Locals will illegally offer feeding shows to tourist for a few extra bucks. These puts the crocodiles in direct harm as they can swallow fishing lines, plastic bags, etc which can harm them directly. Indirectly it conditions them to believe all humans will give them food, which is a safety issue for the general public. It is also illegal to feed any crocodile or alligator in Belize and the United States.
This video documents the capture and release of Thomas the crocodile.
