Gangtok: In a heartwarming gesture that bridges the skies with the serene Himalayan landscape, Captain Juhie Palmo Chettri, Sikkim’s pioneering commercial lady pilot, has officially adopted ‘Abo’, the oldest resident Yak at the Himalayan Zoological Park. This remarkable act comes under the park’s noble ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative, aiming to foster greater public participation in wildlife conservation.
Captain Juhie, a proud daughter of Dodak, West Sikkim, whose parents are retired Divisional Forest Officer, Prem Kumar Chettri, and Smt Tshering Choden Bhutia, has truly soared high in her career. After honing her piloting skills in Arizona, USA, she joined IndiGo Airlines as a first officer in 2010. Since then, her journey has taken her across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, gracing major international destinations including Dubai.
Despite her distinguished and globe-trotting profession, Captain Juhie has consistently remained anchored to her roots and the pristine natural allure of the Himalayan region. Her recent decision to embrace ‘Abo’, a venerable Yak, with a generous donation of ₹10,000, underscores her profound commitment to environmental stewardship and the welfare of the magnificent mountain wildlife that calls this region home.
Expressing her heartfelt sentiments, Captain Juhie stated her immense gratitude for being associated with the ‘My Child From Wild’ cause. She articulated, “Adopting and caring for animals isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s one of the greatest contributions a person can make. I’m honoured to be part of this journey.” Her words resonate with a deep sense of responsibility towards the voiceless inhabitants of our planet.
She further emphasised that even the smallest act of kindness can leave an indelible mark, particularly on those who cannot articulate their needs. Highlighting the plight of Yaks, she described them as gentle and emblematic symbols of the Himalayan terrain. However, their numbers are dwindling, a concerning trend attributed to a confluence of factors including the decline in traditional herding practices, restricted cross-border movements, and the undeniable impact of climate change.
The once ubiquitous sight of Yaks gracefully grazing in the high meadows, amidst vibrant wildflowers like Primulas, was a quintessential element of the visual grandeur of the Sikkim Himalayas. Today, with a shrinking number of herding families and rapidly changing environmental paradigms, the future of the Yak appears increasingly precarious. Through this thoughtful adoption, Captain Juhie earnestly hopes to ignite greater awareness about this critical issue and inspire others to join in the collective endeavour of preserving these majestic creatures.
The Himalayan Zoological Park, the visionary behind the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative, extended a warm welcome to Captain Juhie into their growing adoption family. This commendable campaign empowers individuals to sponsor and provide crucial support to the animals residing within the park, thereby ensuring them superior care, nutrition, and essential medical attention.
The park management and team conveyed their sincere appreciation to Captain Juhie for her magnanimous support and for leveraging her prominent platform to champion the vital cause of wildlife conservation. Her exemplary actions serve as a powerful reminder that true success transcends mere personal accomplishments; it also encompasses a profound commitment to giving back to both society and the bountiful natural world around us.
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