How Adopting Works

---

Maester Aemon (for you Game of Thrones fans, you’ll know why we named him Aemon!), came under CRC's rehab after being rescued from Corozal District in November 2018. He was found emaciated and had severe damage to his eyes from a hard blow/machete chop to the head. Given his behavior and reaction during target training sessions, Aemon is completely blind in his right eye and has poor eyesight in his left eye (possibly distinguishing between light and darkness). This trauma likely led to Aemon's emaciation as crocs use part of their vision for successful hunting despite other sensory organs that allow them to hunt. Under CRC 24/7 care, Aemon has gained weight and is responding well to his target training sessions, overcoming his fear of certain sounds that likely connect to the trauma that caused his blindness.

Aemon has now taken on the important role as CRC’s Croc Ambassador, educating people about the truth of crocodiles, squashing false beliefs and misguided information. Aemon, along with other CRC rehabbed crocs, could use your support.  Adopt-A-Croc and your donation will go towards food, enclosure upkeep, and veterinary care for Aemon and other crocs under our wildlife rehabilitation program. Sponsor $120US or more and get monthly updates of Aemon!

In March 2019, CRC became the caretakers of 2 Morelet’s crocs and a Mesoamerican turtle that were originally permitted to a couple by the Belize Forest Department and were under their care for about 30 years. No longer to care for the mating pair, CRC was asked to “adopt” the animals to become part of our Croc Ambassador program. The full story of Gilly, Sam and the infamous turtle known as Mad Max can be found here.

In 2021, Gilly unfortunately lost his friends Sam and Mad Max. Mad Max was about 43 years old when she came to the CRC and Mesoamerican sliders live up to 45 years in captivity. Mad Max is now enjoying her time in Valhalla. Sam unfortunately finally succumbed to battling a decade long osteomyelitis infection in her mouth despite all the efforts of the CRC in getting her veterinary care. Despite the loss, Gilly is doing well and continuing the mission of the trio- utilizing their unique history and friendship educating people about the truth of wildlife, squashing false beliefs and misguided information that can hinder coexistence with nature.

Help Gilly with his mission of furthering co-existence by participating in our Adopt-A-Croc program. Your donation will go towards food, enclosure upkeep, and veterinary care for Gilly. Sponsor Gilly for a year and receive monthly updates!

In early April 2022, CRC began receiving messages from various residents of Hopkins about a croc coming up on the beach. Originally we figured it was a female croc trying to find a place to nest. However, videos and close-up photos illustrated an emaciated crocodile that likely was trying to find a place to rest. Finally, Hamanasai Resort in Hopkins gave us a call as staff were concerned of a sick croc that was on the beach in front of the resort. CRC responded promptly, and upon arrival thought the croc was dead given it barely moved. It was clear this croc was dehydrated and lethargic, and upon capture we observed wounds on its skull and abdomen that illustrated this 8ft croc was in a bad battle with a larger crocodile. The trauma from the fight likely led to the croc becoming blind, making the croc incapable of successfully hunting leading to its emaciation. 

Hamanasai, named in honor of the Hamanasai staff of wildlife champions, is a male American croc who has adapted to his new home at the CRC facility. Although blind, Hamanasai is doing well with basic target training cues and has gained lots of weight and confidence since first coming under our permanent care. Now, he proudly educates people about the critically endangered status of American crocs in Belize and how to coexist with these predators that were revered by the ancient Maya civilization.

Help Hamanasai with his mission of furthering coexistence by participating in our Adopt-A-Croc program. Your donation will go towards food, enclosure upkeep, and veterinary care for Hamanasai.

Savannah, a female Morelet's crocodile, was seized by the Belize Forest Department in June of 2023. 

She was illegally held as a pet for multiple years in Spanish Lookout, being fed solely chicken and kept in a small algae-filled pond. After a vet check-up by Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic, she were brought to the CRC for long-term care.  

She is unable to be released back into the wild due to over-habituation, and lack of teeth due to poor nutrition. 

Her name was given to her by a local kid from St. John's Primary school in Placencia who won our 'Name that Croc' contest. 

Meet Auggie, a 4ft male Morelet's crocodile who was thought to be a nuisance since he was found in a pond in Cayo District. He was taken out as a precaution by the Belize Forest Department in September 2023 and brought to the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic for a vet check where they noticed he had eye issues and was possibly blind.

In November 2023 he was transferred to CRC where his behavior indicated he was in fact blind and could not be released.

Auggie got his name from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm who we are partenered with in the USA.