Takin Zoo – Bhutan Takin Zoo Travel Guide

The national animal of Bhutan is the Takin, a unique creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, only found in Bhutan. Legend has it that the eccentric sage Drukpa Kunley created the Takin using animal bones. Takin Zoo in Thimphu is where you can see this special animal. Takin is a typical cold-adapted species, usually found in high-altitude forests, meadows above 2500 meters, and rocky areas below 2500 meters in winter. They are social animals, with robust bodies and fierce temperaments. In spring, they feed on grasses from the Poaceae and Liliaceae families, bamboo shoots and leaves, and tender shoots and leaves of shrubs. In summer, they migrate to higher altitudes to consume various grasses rich in vitamins and starch. In autumn, they feed on plant fruits, while in winter, they move to sunny mountainsides to feed on tree bark and young twigs of junipers and shrubs. Takins live in bamboo forests at altitudes of 2,000-4,500 meters, a habitat similar to giant pandas in China. Due to their scarcity, they are considered “national treasures.” In Bhutan, Takins are regarded as the national animal. They primarily feed on grass, tree leaves, and flower buds, and are typically active during the day. During winter, they form small groups, which can expand to over 100 individuals in summer, with older male Takins often living solitary lives.