Gangtok: A 17-year-old student-athlete from Sikkim has made headlines for a remarkable gesture, adopting a clouded leopard under a wildlife conservation program. Jigdrel Dorjee Lepcha, captain of Sikkim’s Under-16 basketball team and a Class XII student at Assam Valley School, has become one of the youngest individuals in the region to support conservation efforts through the Himalayan Zoological Park’s animal adoption scheme.
The leopard, named Chimi, has lived at the Himalayan Zoological Park in Gangtok since being rescued as a six-month-old cub from the forests of West Sikkim. Chimi was found alone and frail during peak monsoon season, separated from her mother, and efforts to release her back into the wild were unsuccessful. Today, and she is among the most photographed animals at the park. Jigdrel’s decision to adopt Chimi was marked by a contribution of Rs 10,000 through the park’s animal adoption scheme.
While the monetary amount may be modest, officials say the symbolic value of a teenager stepping forward has a broader impact. The Himalayan Zoological Park, which houses several endangered species native to the Himalayan belt, relies heavily on public participation to ensure long-term care of animals like Chimi. The adoption program aims to raise funds and awareness, and Jigdrel’s decision is seen as a significant step in promoting conservation awareness among young people.
Jigdrel’s family background also brings context to his decision. His father, Tashi Chophel, is Secretary of School Education in the Sikkim government and a respected poet. His debut book, “How to Collect a Folktale,” has gained attention in literary circles across India and abroad. Jigdrel’s decision reflects his family’s deep connection with nature and conservation.
While Jigdrel is focused on national-level basketball tournaments and academics, he believes caring for the wild is equally important. His adoption of Chimi is a testament to his commitment to conservation and his desire to make a positive impact on the environment. The teenager’s gesture has inspired many, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our natural world.
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