Thimphu Takin Zoo

Thimphu Takin Zoo

The national animal of Bhutan—the Takin (Takin), a sheep-headed, cow-bodied creature that can only be seen in Bhutan, is said to have been created by the mad saint Drupka Kunley from animal bones. The Thimphu Takin Zoo (Thimphu Takin Zoo) houses the national animal of Bhutan—the Takin (Takin), a sheep-headed, cow-bodied animal that exists only in Bhutan and is believed to have been formed by the eccentric sage Drupka Kunley from animal bones. It is a typical alpine species, commonly inhabiting high-altitude mountain forests and meadows above 2,500 meters, and migrating to rocky areas within coniferous forests below 2,500 meters in winter. Takins prefer to live in groups. They are robust in build and have a fierce temperament. In spring, they feed on grasses from the Poaceae and Liliaceae families, bamboo shoots, bamboo leaves, and tender twigs and leaves of shrubs. In summer, they move to higher elevations to graze on various herbaceous plants rich in vitamins and starch. In autumn, they consume plant fruits, and in winter, they move to high-altitude plateaus or sunny mountainous areas, primarily feeding on the bark of trees such as arrow bamboo and fir, as well as tender shrub branches. Takins live in bamboo forests at altitudes of 2,000 to 4,500 meters. Their distribution in China is similar to that of the giant panda, and they are rare in number, thus also regarded as a “national treasure.” In Bhutan, however, the takin is considered the national animal. They mainly feed on grass, leaves, and flower buds, and are generally active during the day. In winter, they form small herds, while in summer their groups can grow to over 100 individuals, with older male takins typically living solitary lives.