ACES records its most diverse year with 72 species admitted into care

ACES Wildlife Rescue in San Pedro has recorded its most diverse year, admitting 72 species into its care as of October 21st. The organization provides wildlife rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release services across the northern cayes. This year’s total exceeds the previous record of 71 species in 2023 and is up from 19 species in 2019. The figures represent the number of species admitted, not the number of individual animals rescued. Patients have ranged from tiny baby hummingbirds to American crocodiles measuring 12 feet, reflecting the variety of wildlife requiring assistance.
According to ACES, growing awareness of its services, changes across the islands, and increasing threats to wildlife are driving demand for care. Common patients include pigeons, grackles, crocodiles, and boa constrictors. Less frequent arrivals include birds such as noddies, shearwaters, and common gallinules. Each species requires appropriate housing, food, medical care, and a rehabilitation plan, along with criteria for determining when it can return to the wild. The team says unfamiliar arrivals can require hours of research and expert consultations. Meanwhile, habitat loss is pushing animals into areas occupied by people, creating more situations that require safe intervention and relocation.
ACES has operated in San Pedro for 16 years. Originally established in early 2000 as a crocodile education and research organization in Punta Gorda, Belize, it gradually expanded into broader wildlife rehabilitation. After relocating to Ambergris Caye in 2010, staff initially stabilized sick and injured animals before sending them to the mainland for further treatment. Over the years, with experience and guidance from other rehabilitators, the organization built its capacity to provide ongoing care. Its annual species totals rose from 19 in 2019 to 38 in 2020, 51 in 2021, and 60 in 2022. After reaching 71 in 2023, the count fell to 58 in 2024 and 57 in 2025 before reaching a record 72 this year.
“We ask our community to please be patient and compassionate toward these animals,” ACES stated. Its workload shifts throughout the year. Spring and summer bring more young birds and mammals during breeding season, while rising water levels during the rainy season increase encounters with crocodiles, snakes and iguanas. The organization reported that all its crocodile traps had been deployed beneath homes to relocate smaller crocodiles. ACES also recently reported crocodile deaths involving a boat and a golf cart.
“Wildlife belongs here,” the organization said, explaining that encounters can happen when animals lose their habitats. ACES identifies continued development and habitat loss as pressures affecting wildlife and increasing the demand for its rescue services.
The organization provides wildlife assistance free of charge and relies heavily on donations to support rescue, relocation, and rehabilitation efforts. It encourages contributions of any size and acknowledges those who help through calls, donations, and practical assistance. “Thank you to everyone who has called us, supported us, donated to us, or helped us care for the incredible wildlife that shares our islands.”
ACES’ fifth annual Lip Sync Party is scheduled for Sunday, November 15th, at Someplace South Cafe Bar from 5PM to 9PM. The fundraiser will feature cash prizes, raffles, silent auctions, food, drinks, and more. Everyone is invited to attend and support the organization. To donate or volunteer, contact ACES at 623-7920 or email info@acesbelize.org.