Veterinarian Dr. Kriyaan Singh has been formally recognised for his care and dedication in treating the injured ocelot, Papaoutai.
On Friday, officials of the Environmental Management Authority presented Dr. Singh with a letter of commendation at his La Romain Veterinary Clinic.
The letter of commendation was handed over by Deputy Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority, EMA, Neeala Mongroo and Director Avinash Phagoo, in acknowledgement of the swift and professional care provided to the protected wildcat.
“We appreciate you, we appreciate your entire team so on behalf of the EMA board of directors, management and staff we want to present you with a letter of commendation for your services
not just for this but we know you have been very diligent in treatment of rescue animals.”
In presenting the commendation, the EMA expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Singh and his team for the treatment administered to Papaoutai over the past several days, noting his consistent diligence in caring for rescued wildlife.
“We just want to extend our sincere gratitude to you and your entire team for the care that you have provided to Papaoutai the ocelot within the last few days…..IT shows medicak treatment is not about medicine, its about Love, is about patience, its about dedication.”
Deputy Chairman Mongroo said Papaoutai represents both strength and vulnerability. She explained that while the young ocelot’s resilience is inspiring, his injuries highlight how easily Trinidad and Tobago’s wildlife can be impacted by human activity.
“He is from the wild, he’s not a domestic animal, but you have taken him in and you have treated him with dignity treated him so graciously ….i think this is what is really making the difference with his treatment.”
She emphasised that the ocelot is Trinidad’s only native wildcat and an apex predator, playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. As a designated Environmentally Sensitive Species, its protection is not just about one animal, but about safeguarding the health of the nation’s forests and natural heritage.
“You have given trinidad hope for the last few days, we have seen the comments on social media, they have rallied around this ocelot, you have shown that compassion is still alive in trinidad and tobago this is what you call national stewardship.”
Ms Mongroo noted that incidents like this underscore the shared responsibility of conservation. While agencies like the EMA play a regulatory and policy-driven role, she said protecting wildlife also depends on public awareness, respect for natural habitats, and timely reporting of injured animals.
Papaoutai’s case first captured national attention after the young ocelot was found injured in the forests of Granville, Cedros. Dr. Singh named the animal Papaoutai, inspired by an emotional reflection that the injured cub seemed to be calling out for help.
Under Dr. Singh’s care, Papaoutai is now stable and recovering well.
The harming, hunting, capturing or trading of ocelots is strictly prohibited under the Conservation of Wild Life Act, and the species is protected under the Environmental Management Act.