Episode 3

ACES WILDLIFE RESCUE

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Sept, a dedicated board member and full-time volunteer at ACES Wildlife Rescue, a non-profit organization permitted by the Belize Forest Department.

Originally from Canada, Ben visited belize for 6 months, little did they know that 2 months in they would realize that Belize was going to be their new permanent home. They moved to Belize in 2015 with his wife and three kids, and soon after, the entire family became deeply involved with ACES.

But what exactly is ACES, and who are the people behind it? Ben shares the inspiring story of Christina and Chris, the passionate pillars, who have dedicated their lives to giving the island's wildlife a voice and a safe haven. He reflects on his personal journey to Belize, his work with the rescue team, and the challenges they face protecting local wildlife, particularly the crucial role that crocodiles play in the ecosystem.

Ben takes us down memory lane, recounting his encounters with the island’s unique wildlife and sharing the tireless efforts that go into ACES' rescue missions. We also explore the impact of local development on wildlife and discuss how we, as a community, can help ACES continue their critical work.

With the recent passing of Chris, this episode serves as a tribute to his remarkable legacy and the urgent need for continued support for ACES.

We’ve included timestamps (bottom of the descriptions) to help guide you through this special, extended episode—one that is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the future of wildlife and the environment on the island.

Join us as we raise awareness and learn how you can volunteer or contribute to this incredible cause.

Want to volunteer or donate to ACES?

Contact info: +501 623-7920

Info@AcesBelize.org

Donate (US tax deductible): AcesWildlifeRescue.org/donate


Donate in belize to our Atlantic Bank account:

Aces Wildlife Rescue

2110007416

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcesWildlifeRescue?mibextid=LQQJ4d


Biggest donors:

Fondation Brigitte Bardot

SPCA - International

ECI Development

The Truck Stop


FOLLOW US:

The Gringa & Local Belize Podcast

Belize Lifestyle & Experiences

Rachel Jensen & Job Mendizabal

Save our contact info here: https://popl.co/card/xHbOeEih/3/s


Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegringaandlocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegringaandlocal

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tgalbz

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@tglbelize

Email: TheGringaAndLocal@gmail.com

Website: https://the-gringa-local-belize.captivate.fm

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gringa-local-belize/id1709718641

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5i5DS3J1AuuaLPBUxlPhe4?si=5e8b077b2f154dac


TIMESTAMPS/ CHAPTERS:

00:00 - What & Who is Aces?

04:12 - Crocs at ACES care

08:18 - Crocs & Humans In the Island

12:07 - Positive Encounters W/Aces

14:19 - Crocs Intelligence & Education in the Island

19:10 - Crocs Population Survey

21:42 - Crocs Reproduction & Characteristics

26:49 - Island Development & Restoration

33:21 - Volunteering at ACES

38:30 - The ACES Team

42:31 - Selfless Love - Chris & Christina

45:21 - ACES RELOCATION

48:17 - Croc Or Alligator?

49:56 - Island Talk

52:41 - Mainland Fun

54:15 - What if you were Mayor of the Island?

57:17 - Conclusion

#belizepodcast #podcast #travelpodcast #lifestylepodcast #belize #sanpedrobelize #ambergriscayebelize #visitbelize #belizevacation #culture #belizeliving

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The Gringa & Local Belize
The Gringa & Local Belize
Belize Lifestyle & Experiences

About your host

Profile picture for RACHEL JENSEN

RACHEL JENSEN