Message from the Top of the World
June 2009
Among the many weary climbers arriving back from their Mount Everest expeditions in Spring 2009 was a very unusual pair. They are traditional local mountain guides in the Himalayas who have the amazing ability to reach the peak without supplementary oxygen. Not that unusual you might say. Well, these two individuals had a special message to send to the world from its highest peak. Alarmed at plans to export groups of Nepal's native monkeys to US laboratories for experimentation, these peace-loving Buddhists scaled the mountain carrying a special banner imploring the Nepal and US governments to 'Stop the Monkey Business'.
Spurred on by support from Nepal's Wildlife Watch Group (WWG) and the International Primate Protection League (IPPL), these experienced climbers decided to make this an expedition with a difference. Monkeys are an integral part of Nepal's religious and social culture. Reverence for all life is central to the teachings of the two most predominant religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, and monkeys are particularly sacred to Hindus, as they are seen as the incarnation of Hanuman (The Monkey God). Despite this, plans are afoot to capture and export some of Nepal's monkeys to US facilities where they are likely to be subjected to painful, stressful--and potentially lethal--scientific procedures, a goal that cannot be squared with the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs of the Nepalese people.
The pair of mountain guide, who were leading a group of climbers, reached the summit on 19th May and have just now returned. Mr Jyamchang Bhote, (the guide in the picture), said "It is our great honor to work together with the World Wildlife Watch Group to draw attention to the Stop The Monkey Business campaign through the mountains that we climb, enjoy and draw our inspiration from."
IPPL congratulates Mr. Bhote's team on delivering this message so emphatically to the world and we hope that the governments involved finally take note of the will of the Nepalese people.
Planning a climb in Nepal? Please consider working with mountain guide Jyamchang Bhote (who happens to care about wildlife.)
