ACES Education Program Inspires Young Wildlife Protectors

ACES Wildlife Rescue is working to inspire the next generation of conservationists through an education program that helps children understand and protect the wildlife of Ambergris Caye and Belize. Based in the Tres Cocos area north of San Pedro Town, ACES rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured or displaced wildlife. However, the organization also recognizes that education plays an important role in preventing harm to animals and reducing conflict between people and wildlife.
Through school presentations, summer camp visits, career-day activities, and community events, the ACES team teaches children about Belize’s native species and the important roles these animals play in the environment. The team pays special attention to animals such as crocodiles, snakes, and raccoons, which people sometimes fear or consider nuisances.
According to ACES, people often fear animals they do not understand. By giving children accurate information from an early age, the organization hopes they will learn to coexist safely with wildlife and respond responsibly when they encounter an animal. These lessons are particularly important on Ambergris Caye, where development continues to expand into natural habitats.
The program also offers science-friendly curricula for Standards Three, Four, and Five. The downloadable materials provide teachers with ready-to-use lessons and activities focused on island wildlife, endangered species, ecosystems, and important habitats such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and tropical forests.
Students are encouraged to explore how animals grow, adapt, and interact with their surroundings. Practical exercises involving seedlings, hydroponic growing, environmental monitoring, and wildlife observation help connect classroom science with the natural environment around them.
For San Pedro’s younger generation, this type of education can encourage a stronger sense of responsibility toward the island. Children who understand the value of mangroves, wetlands, and native animals may be more likely to protect these resources as adults. The program could also inspire future careers in biology, veterinary medicine, environmental management, and wildlife rehabilitation.
ACES offers free educational visits to schools and summer camps across Belize. The organization also participates in community fairs and other public events with informational displays, presentations, and interactive games for children. Schools or organizations interested in arranging a visit can contact ACES at 623-7920 or info@acesbelize.com. More information is available on the ACES Wildlife Rescue education webpage.
Community members will also have an opportunity to support the organization through an upcoming fundraiser. Nauti Crab will host its “Island Feud” event on October 10 at 6PM, offering an island-style version of the popular Family Feud game. Seats are expected to cost $20, with proceeds going directly to ACES Wildlife Rescue to support its work during a time of limited funds.
Ahead of the event, ACES and Nauti Crab are inviting residents and supporters to complete an online survey. The responses, including answers to several ACES-related questions, will help make the competition entertaining and community-focused.
Through education, rescue work, and community support, ACES hopes to ensure that the children growing up on Ambergris Caye inherit not only an appreciation for the island’s wildlife but also the knowledge needed to protect it.