News & Campaigns
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in Conservation
Rescue stories, conservation alerts, campaign updates, policy submissions, and field science, direct from WEPTT.
World Wetlands Day 2026: Our Wetlands Are Infrastructure
Every year on 2nd February we mark World Wetlands Day, but for us in Trinidad and Tobago, places like Nariva and Caroni are not "special once a year", they are part of our daily survival.
Ocelot Killed in Grande Riviere: WEPTT Condemns Wildlife Crime
The recent killing of an ocelot in Grande Riviere is a heinous and heartbreaking act, and we strongly condemn this behavior. The ocelot is officially listed as an Environmentally Sensitive Species in Trinidad and Tobago, which means its declining population has already triggered a national mandate to protect, conserve, manage, and maintain this species for future generations.
Rainy Season Brings Wildlife into Communities: Leave Capture to Professionals
As we experience every year, the rainy season is now upon us and this year it has started off with quite the downpour. As such many wildlife will be displaced and seeking either dry, humid or higher grounds, in which they often end up in our communities, our yards, our homes etc. It is important to note that the hunting season is officially closed and that the killing of many of these animals, is deemed illegal under the forestry act of Trinidad and Tobago. As such, I urge you to contact relevant authorities to capture, remove/relocate these animals if found/encountered in and around your homes. You can contact us directly or any of the other wildlife organization for assistance. As cool and as "fun" as capturing wild animals may seem, please leave it to the experienced, trained professionals to capture and handle these creatures. Don't put unnecessary risk on yourselves.
World Snake Day 2024: Facts, Fears and the Vital Role of Snakes
There are more than 3,000 snake species, and snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in most countries, although they aren't found on a few island countries like Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand, or on the autonomous island territory of Greenland. Snakes live in almost any environment: in forests, grasslands, deserts, savannas, swamps, and mountain regions. About 70 species of sea snakes even live in water, being found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. The largest snake is the reticulated python, which may reach over 30 feet in length; the smallest is the threadsnake, which is less than four inches long.
Flooding Displaces Wildlife: Safety Tips from WEPTT
Due to the inclement weather patterns we've been having lately, many of our homes are being flooded and disrupted, so are the homes of the animals around us. It should be expected to see many displaced animals, especially ones you would never guess you would see around your home such as snakes, caimans etc.
Flood Waters Displacing Wildlife: Contact Authorities if Animals Enter Your Premises
This applies to now as well. Please contact the relevant authorities if any wildlife are detected in and around your premises due to the rising flood waters. During these flood periods it is highly likely for animals such as caimans, snakes (venomous and non venomous), silky anteaters along with other species to get displaced.
Raising Orphaned Wildlife: Support Our Rehabilitation Work
Nestlings and orphaned babies are never an easy task and it takes everything out of us to nurse them not only back to health but to nurture them to where they can be released. Any little helps and Lisa is going to be a great help with this project. Our future patients are going to benefit for years to come and have the comfort and safety they need to be the best they can be.
Green Anaconda Rescued from River Mouth in South Trinidad
Common name - Green Anaconda Scientific name - Eunectes murinus Local name - Huille, wheel Family - Boidae Type - Reptile Diet - Carnivorous Size - 20ft to 30ft
Gulf of Paria Oil Spill: Thank You for the Tremendous Support
Thank you for the tremendous support this far! On behalf of all of the animals we've helped so far, we'd like to thank everyone for their tremendous support and assistance. Dozens of people have reached out after hearing our call for supplies and wanted to do anything that they could, to do their part.
Gulf of Paria Oil Spill: Working Through the Night to Save Oiled Birds
We continue on into the night as birds continue to come in. This tragedy needs to stop. Why is no one ever held responsible for these atrocities?
Gulf of Paria Oil Spill: WEPTT Responds, Supplies Urgently Needed
Thank you to every one who has reached out to us with sightings of oiled animals or to support us so far. The assistance is so greatly appreciated and while they can't speak for themselves, we can assure you the affected animals thank you as well. A special thank you goes out to Mode Alive Trading for your tremendous and continued support.
Flooding Displaces Wildlife: Safety Tips from WEPTT
Due to the spontaneous weather patterns we've been having lately, many of our homes are being flooded and disrupted, so are the homes of the animals around us. It should be expected to see many displaced animals, especially ones you would never guess you would see around your home such as snakes, caimans etc.
Spectacled Caiman Removed from Backyard: Pick Up a Phone, Not a Cutlass
Here's a quick rescue and release where our team removed a spectacled caiman from INSIDE someone's yard. The caiman was immediately released back into its natural habitat on the outskirts of the nearby sanctuary.
Rainbow Boa Rescued and Released Back Home
Check out this feisty Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria) that our Rescue Manager had to tangle with! This little guy was just terrified of the big human holding him but was happy when we sent him home where he belongs!!
Spectacled Caiman Rescued from Rivulet Road, Couva
Here's another Spectacled Caiman rescue from Rivulet Road, Couva!
Baby Spectacled Caiman Rescued and Relocated in Couva
We're sorry that we haven't been posting a lot lately but with the new dynamics and changes presented by COVID-19 we were both swamped with cases and adjusting to the new normal.
Grant Night Patrol Access to Protect Sea Turtles During Nesting Season
Grant permission for night patrols as a matter of urgency to protect sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago!
WEPTT Joins COPE to Fight for Sea Turtle Protection in Trinidad and Tobago
We cannot allow this to happen! Please sign and share as we along with all of our colleagues and partners at the Council of Presidents of the Environment (COPE) continue to fight for and support our fellow conservationists to protect and preserve our sea turtles in Trinidad and Tobago.
Youth Voices Needed: Global Biodiversity Framework Survey
The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) has launched a survey that aims to gather youth voices, perspectives and priorities for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. It can be accessed at bit.ly/gybnsurvey and is available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Japanese and Thai.
Diwali and Fireworks: A Plea for Our Wildlife and Pets
On auspicious days such as today we often find ourselves surrounded by various booms, explosions and blasts as our loved ones and those around us celebrate the occasion. Many of us are startled at these loud noises but we should also be mindful of the elderly, young ones and especially our pets. I say especially our pets because animals have heightened senses. Many of us know our beloved pets have great hearing, so please think about what they're being exposed to when these things happen outside.
WEPTT Celebrates Five Years of Wildlife Protection
Happy 5th Birthday to the Wildlife and Environmental Protection of Trinidad and Tobago and its Members and Volunteers. Today marks 5 years of an amazing story and the start of an even bigger journey. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you for the many more years to come!
The Paper Bar Partners with WEPTT for Our Fifth Anniversary
In addition to the commemoration of WEPTT's fifth year establishment anniversary, our wonderful friends The Paper Bar have partnered with us at WEPTT to help our fur friends who can't help themselves.
Yet Another Instance Where Action Is Needed: Why Must We Keep Calling for What Is a Duty?
Yet another instance where action is needed. Why must we keep calling for action where it is a duty?
Action Is Needed Now
Action is needed now!
Even on His Birthday, Our Rescue Manager Was Out Saving Wildlife
Even on his birthday he took the time to rescue one of the many important species to our ecosystems. It's team members like this who make the difference.
Tex, the Frigatebird: Rescued, Healed, and Released
In one of our recent releases, we said goodbye to Tex, a Lesser Frigate Bird that was rescued by one of our partners and friend, Wake-Up Call Shelter.
Heritage Petroleum Oil Spill at Point Fortin: WEPTT Demands Answers
What you know as oil is actually called petroleum or crude oil and may exist as a combination of liquid, gas, and sticky, tar-like substances. Waste water from oil drilling contains cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, zinc and copper which accumulate over time in living things. The metal pipelines which transport this oil can rupture when corrosion weakens them, which contaminates any surrounding land and water.
Daring Rescue: Parrot Freed from Wire at the Queen's Park Savannah
In this daring rescue with the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, a parrot was rescued from a wire that trapped it in a tree on the Queen's Park Savannah.
What Are Your Thoughts on Fireworks? WEPTT and NGOs Share Their Concerns
What are your thoughts on fireworks? Here are some of the concerns shared by us and some other NGOs.
Animals Shot and Left to Suffer: Help Us Stop This
Disgusting! Cruel! Coward! Selfish! These are only some of the ways to describe the awful person who committed this egregious act.
Spectacled Caiman Rescued and Released from Cunupia
Check out our latest release video where our Rescue Manager relocated this "little" guy who managed to find his way into someone's yard in Cunupia.
Injured Baby Bird Brought to WEPTT After Nest Destroyed
Can you guess what species she is? Our latest patient came after its nest was ejected from the tree that it was in as the tree fell over. After trying to place her in a safe place and hoping the mom came back to her, she was unfortunately left alone as the mother didn't attend to her, possibly thinking she was dead.
Earth Day 2020: COVID-19 Shows Us What Is Possible When We Change Our Ways
When the idea of Earth Day was first conceptualized in 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson saw the need to raise public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the principal links between pollution and public health. Earth Day didn't go global until 1990 where the world saw the effects of oil spills, polluting factories, power plants, landfills, chemicals and their effects which cause the loss of wildlife.
Let's Talk Pelicans: Everything You Need to Know About Our Brown Pelican
Welcome everyone! Join us as we discuss one of our former patients with the delightful Detta Buch of the Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre (WORC). In this video we get some really wonderful information and insight into Pelicans and their life.
Injured Racing Pigeon Found in Yard, Owner Located with Community Help
One of our volunteers found this pigeon with an injured wing in her yard. He's at our center now but we need your help finding his owner! We're in the process of reaching out to the various Pigeon Clubs but if you can tag them or let us know who the owner is, it could help us get him home faster. The tag is Guru OLR.
WEPTT Thanks Our Partners, Sponsors and Supporters
We here at WEPTT wanted to take the time to say a special thank you to those who are always ready to help us make our visions and goals come to life.
Help Track Iguanas Across Trinidad: WEPTT and TTFNC Call for Sightings
We're trying to assist the Trinidad & Tobago Field Naturalists' Club in collecting some information that only seeks to benefit our local biodiversity.
Mother and Baby Caimans Rescued After Car Oil Pollutes Drainage
In late February our team was called upon to help a mother caiman that was seen in a residential drainage system with several babies that were all venturing into properties and putting the residents at risk.
Wildlife Smuggling in Trinidad: Understanding the Damage It Does
In the illegal wildlife trade, delicate ecosystems are disrupted and even destroyed. In today's world we are faced with many environmental disasters and climate change. Our future and very well-being depends on maintaining and improving every bit of the environment we have, and in order to do that we must first preserve the ecosystems so that the environment at large can survive. The harmful removal of these animals not only harm the animals themselves, submitting them to torture and inhumane conditions, but, it will lead to our own demise as well.
Baby Kiskadee Rescued from the Road: When to Leave Fledglings Alone
Most of our patients aren't the animals people tend to see during their every day lives, but some are. This baby kiskadee was rescued from the middle of a roadway and brought to us to be cared for.
Found a Stranded Marine Animal? Here Is Who to Call
Please note the contact information here. If you see a stranded marine mammal such as a whale, dolphin, turtle etc. Please call them or even call us and we will alert the network.
Broad-Winged Hawk Found Dead: The Hidden Danger of Rat Poison
I wish I was showing you this beautiful Broad Winged Hawk alive but unfortunately within minutes of us being called and we met the concerned citizen who found him, the bird had died.
World Wetlands Day 2020: Why Our Wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago Are Worth Protecting
Our wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago are important in so many ways. Not only do our wetlands provide an essential part to our ecosystem but it provides us with storm protection, carbon absorption, clean water, and it provides many of our citizens with essential livelihoods through tourism, recreation and even as a food resource.
Substance Dumped in Waterway Kills Fish: WEPTT Calls for Investigation
Our Rescue Manager was alerted of an ongoing incident where someone was dumping a substance in the water. When he arrived on the site he found an alarming number of dead and dying fishes and a concerned citizen trying to rescue whatever they could.
Pelican Rehabilitation: Thank You for Your Generous Support
A huge huge THANK YOU to a concerned citizen who reached out to us, wanting to help out with the rehabilitation of the pelicans we have been getting. These fish will go such a long way and is definitely a weight off our shoulders. On behalf of our patients and the team here at WEPTT, thank you so much, we truly appreciate your contribution.
Injured Pelican Arrives for Rehabilitation Thanks to NGO Network
Thanks to Kat and Roger of the Animal Welfare Network for helping get this Pelican to us from Wendy Rollock and the Wake-Up Call Shelter. He will spend the rest of his healing period with us before his release.
Wildlife Capture Safety Warning After Viral Video
This young man was very brave to secure the animal especially in an urban area but persons are strongly advised to exercise caution in matters like this.
Did You Know We Have Frigate Birds in Trinidad Too?
Did you know we have Frigate Birds in Trinidad too?
The Stolen Future of a Squirrel Monkey: Illegal Wildlife Trade Awareness
Across the world the destruction of habitats and species can be directly linked to the illegal wildlife trade. This Squirrel Monkey, a victim of said trade, will now be confined to a life inside a cage, restrained from movement and the free life these animals are used to.
Caiman Tied and Stoned to Death in Greenvale: WEPTT Calls for Action
This photo reportedly came from Greenvale where this caiman was tied and stoned to death.
WEPTT's Three Key Takeaways From the 2020 Budget
Our 3 key takeaways for the 2020 budget thus far:
The Stolen Future of a Squirrel Monkey in the Illegal Pet Trade
The illegal pet trade not only destroys species, but the stress, frustration, sadness and torture these animals go through is unjust and terrible. The pure sadness and longing to be free reflects in the eyes of this little Squirrel Monkey as he awaits his new future.
Stop Littering: Our Beaches and Our Future Depend on It
Cleaning up can only do so much.
Flood Season: How to Respond to Displaced Wildlife in Your Home
With the possibility of rising flood waters and while many of our homes may be flooded and disrupted, so are the homes of the animals around us. It should be expected to see many displaced animals, especially ones you would never guess you would see around your home such as snakes, caimans, large birds and even sightings of river otters and capybaras.
WEPTT Questions Capybara Vermin Designation and Calls for Public Data Access
If the zoological society did a survey for 7 years which would have been prior to any incident or issue with the capybara then we applaud their deligence. Can they release this release the information ? Why is it privy? How can the state and/or stakeholders come up with management plans if this information exists but is kept private? How can we even verify the information?
Conservation of Wildlife Act 2019 Amendments: Key Changes for Wildlife Protection
We are very pleased to see some very welcome amendments to the Conservation of Wildlife Act which include the removal of all Herons, Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules etc), the Neotropic Cormorant and Wild Ducks from the Second Schedule which means they can no longer be hunted at any time and the law now offers complete protection of the species and hunting them can result in a fine of $5000.
Poisoned Food Left at Caroni Bird Sanctuary Endangers Multiple Species
Yesterday (21-08-19) we were alerted to an alarming incident at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary where someone had placed poisoned food for the stray and feral cats in the area.
Leatherback Sea Turtles and the Growing Sargassum Threat
We would like to thank Susan Lackhan-Baptiste and Nature Seekers for their tremendous efforts and relentless work in their protection of this species and for their assistance in the creation of this video.
Green Anaconda is a Protected Species in Trinidad: Please Don't Kill It
Anacondas have always had the misfortune of carrying unfortunate tales of mystery and folklore when in fact; they are just like any other snake, harmless and wanting to be far away from humans. The only difference is, they can grow to much larger sizes than the other species of snakes we have locally.
15 Baby Spectacled Caimans Rescued and Relocated to Caroni Sanctuary
The team rescued 9 baby caimans from Munroe Road near to Low Cost Supermarket. We also relocated 6 baby caimans from the Cunupia area that were living in residential drains but also roaming into the residents yards. We took them to the Caroni Sanctuary for relocation.
Spectacled Caiman Rescued From Residential Yard
In this rescue a caiman made it's way into someone's yard before the residents alerted us of it's presence and asked for it's safe removal.
Rainbow Boa Rescued From Chicken Coup and Relocated
Happy New Year!