By Dr. Marisa Tellez | Executive Director and Founder
Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,
Thanks to your generosity and continued belief in our mission, we have made important progress at the (newly named) Placencia Lagoon Nature and Science Center over the past couple of months. Your contributions are helping us improve the care of our crocodile ambassadors, strengthen our facilities, and create a safer environment for both wildlife and the people who visit and work at our center.
Upgrading Einstein’s Enclosure
One of our key priorities has been upgrading the enclosure of Einstein, our newest crocodile ambassadors. Einstein is an exceptionally agile and athletic crocodile, and we recognized that his enclosure needed to be redesigned to better accommodate his abilities and ensure his long-term safety. Donations have helped us undertake essential improvements, including increasing the height of the enclosure to provide a more secure environment.
Living in a coastal environment also presents unique challenges. Salt air and moisture accelerate corrosion, meaning that fencing requires regular maintenance and replacement to maintain its strength and integrity. We have therefore been addressing rust-related deterioration and upgrading fencing where needed to keep our crocodile ambassadors safe.
These improvements are an important investment in the long-term welfare of the animals in our care.
A New Chapter for Auggie and a Lasting Tribute to Debra
Our little ambassador, Auggie, is also receiving a much-needed enclosure renovation. Auggie has a special place in our hearts and in the story of the Placencia Lagoon Nature and Science Center. Every improvement we make is part of our commitment to providing the best possible care for the animals who cannot return to the wild.
This renovation also carries a deeply personal meaning. We are creating a plaque in memory of our beloved volunteer Debra, who recently passed away. Debra shared a special bond with Auggie and played a meaningful role in his journey. Honoring her in this space allows her compassion and dedication to remain part of his story and the work we continue to do.
Her memory will live on through the care, education, and conservation efforts she helped inspire.
Creating Safer Access Through the Wet Season
We are also incredibly grateful to a returning supporter who previously contributed through GlobalGiving and recently provided an additional US$3,000 directly to help us build a boardwalk between several of our crocodile enclosures.
This contribution will make a significant difference to the safety and accessibility of our facility. During Belize’s wet season, pathways can become muddy, slippery, and difficult to navigate. The appearance of rattlesnakes and other wildlife during this period adds another consideration for staff and visitors moving through the property.
The new boardwalk will provide a safer route between enclosures, allowing guests to observe and learn about our wildlife from a more secure vantage point while reducing the need to navigate challenging ground conditions.
It is a wonderful example of how thoughtful infrastructure improvements can benefit wildlife education, visitor safety, and the people working on the front lines of conservation.
Your Support Makes This Possible
The Placencia Lagoon Nature and Science Center is more than a place to care for crocodiles. It is part of our vision for a future where wildlife conservation, scientific research, education, and community engagement work together to protect Belize’s natural heritage.
Every donation helps us turn that vision into reality, whether by improving an enclosure, maintaining essential infrastructure, honoring the people who have made our work possible, or creating safer spaces for people to connect with nature.
From all of us at CRC, thank you for being part of the Placencia Lagoon Nature and Science Center’s journey. Thank you for believing in our mission, investing in the well-being of our crocodile ambassadors, and helping us create a place where conservation, compassion, and science come together.
We are deeply grateful to every GlobalGiving donor who has contributed to this project. Your support makes a tangible difference, and we look forward to sharing more milestones with you as the center continues to grow.
With gratitude,
Dr. Marisa Tellez and the CRC Team
Building bridges between communities and nature so both can thrive and coexist.
By Dr. Marisa Tellez | Executive Director and Founder
By Dr. Marisa Tellez | Executive Director and Founder
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