Marty’s photo of the day #4532: During the years 2001 through 2004, Deb and I explored all seven continents for my six-time award-winning first book, “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents.” Since that time, my mind has often wandered to the thousands of animals we saw during our journey. Are any of them still alive in 2024? It’s certainly possible, as elephants, snakes, alligators, crocodiles, hippos, whales, and many birds have long lives.

That brings me to the American crocodile in this photo. Belize was the first trip of our worldwide adventure. After dark, this crocodile frequently visited the dock at the Blackbird Caye Resort (aka “Gilligan’s Island”), and while it was large, it was young enough that it could very well be alive today. This coming spring, Deb and I will be returning to the Blackbird Caye Resort. Obviously, if I see an American crocodile there again, I will wonder: “Is it you?”