Takin: Bhutan's national animal looks like something out of a myth

The takin looks like a goat with a sheep’s body. It is so queer-looking that it has been described as a Dr Seuss creation.

Takin: Bhutan's national animal looks like something out of a myth

How was takin created?

Once upon a time during the 15th century, Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman”, was at a feast. At the end of the day, the guests beseeched him to create a miracle, so he took a goat’s head and fixed it to a cow’s skeleton. With a snap, he created a queer-looking creature. It looked like a gnu goat that resembled an ox, yet was more closely related to wild sheep. It was a takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Bhutan’s national animal.

What is a takin?

Whether you believe the story or not, it’s interesting to note where the storytellers are coming from. The takin does look like something out of a myth. Those that have seen the takin describe it as one of the most odd-looking animals they have ever seen. Some describe it as a Dr Seuss creation, others refer to it as the “goat antelope” or the “gnu goat”. 

The takin is hoofed

The takin is hoofed, has hunched shoulders, small ears, and a short, thick neck. Its horns face backwards from its broad face. But one of its most distinguishable features is its giant nose, which compelled German-American biologist George Schaller to describe the takin as a “bee-stung moose”. Its nose helps it navigate in the mountains—the big nose cavities warm up the air before it reaches the lungs. Otherwise, the takin would lose a lot of body heat just through breathing.

A takin can weigh up to 350 kgs, making it an enormous mammal. Yet, despite that, few have ever heard of this elusive animal, grazing in the mountainous areas of Asia—India, Myanmar, China, and most importantly, Bhutan. Despite their size, the takins can bound up and down steep mountain slopes with impressive speed and agility. 

The takin does not have skin glands, but they secrete an oily, bitter substance with a burning taste that acts as a natural raincoat. Anywhere a takin has rubbed its body, you would find this oil. Furthermore, male takins spray urine on their faces and various body parts as a sign of status.

Takins are versatile herbivores that live on a large range of plants — biologist and takin expert, Tshewang Wangchuk, counted 65 species of plants in a takin’s diet. The takins also salt-licks, which as the name suggests, is when a wild animal licks naturally occurring salt deposits. The salt provides a healthy source of minerals and also neutralises plant toxins, so yay for the takins.

Where to see a takin?

Where to see a takin?

If you wish to see a takin for yourself, wait no longer! All you have to do is travel to Bhutan and visit the Motithang Takin Preserve. The facility was once a mini zoo before it was converted into a takin preserve. After the takins were released into the wild, they refused to return to the surrounding forest. Instead, they wandered into towns, looking for food, making a nuisance of themselves. Thus the Bhutanese set up the preserve to give the takins a home.

Now, if you desire to see a takin in the wild, it is a different ball game altogether. Takins thrive in Bhutan because of the country’s pristine forest cover, but that is also the reason why spotting one in the wild is a challenge. 

Usually, the takins hang out in small groups, hidden behind the dense forest covers. However, your opportunity to sight a takin presents itself during the monsoon season, when they head for high-altitude areas in northwest Bhutan. The takins gather in large groups of around 200 for one purpose and one purpose only — sex. There have been accounts of dramatic battles, as the male takins fight over the female takins. There is head-butting and horn-slamming. 

A seven- to eight-month pregnancy follows this hair-raising mating season, so that the calves are born during the spring the following February or March.

A good location to witness takin herds is the Jigme Dorji National Park in Gasa Dzongkhag, a protected area of 1,679 square miles situated on the Tibetan border. An excellent time to eyeball a takin is at the Takin Festival, held every February for three days at this park. You’ll get the opportunity to watch the takin in its natural habitat.

Nomadic tribes use the festival to make a livelihood that would last them until the next season. They set up tents made of yak hair, cook traditional (and exotic to us) food, and sell handmade crafts, yak butter, and yak cheese.

The highlight of the festival is the performance of a takin. It’s your chance to admire the physique and agility of the great takin up close.

Find out how you can travel to Bhutan to see Bhutan's mythical national animal.

 



Related Posts

The popular mythical animals in Bhutan: Dragon, Garuda, Snow...

Whether imaginary or real, animals are a recurring symbolic element of ancient Bhutanese art and spirituality.

May 10, 2021 13:18

What are the endangered mammals of Bhutan?

Currently, Bhutan is home to nine endangered mammals, with one being critically endangered.

Jul 23, 2021 16:30

Lost & Found: Bhutanese Textiles at Melbourne Design Week 2025

Bhutanese designer Chandrika Tamang brings Lost & Found to Melbourne Design Week 2025, showcasing traditional Bhutanese...

May 16, 2025 18:23

Bhutan’s Secret: The World’s Most Exquisite Hazelnuts

Discover Bhutan’s hidden gem: the world’s most exquisite hazelnuts grown at the highest orchards on Earth. Sustainably...

May 02, 2025 11:00

Bhutan Hosted First-Ever Rhododendron Week in Merak and Sakteng

Bhutan’s inaugural Rhododendron Week, held from 3rd to 9th April 2025 in the highland communities of Merak and Sakteng,...

Apr 10, 2025 13:34

Most Popular Cafes and Bakeries in Thimphu

Thimphu, the charming capital of Bhutan, boasts a vibrant café and bakery scene that caters to both locals and...

Apr 08, 2025 12:31

Latest

News

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in Bhutan

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration, this historic royal...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of Thailand to Bhutan

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025. Discover how this landmark...

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Features

Lost & Found: Bhutanese Textiles at Melbourne Design Week 2025

Bhutanese designer Chandrika Tamang brings Lost & Found to Melbourne Design Week 2025, showcasing traditional Bhutanese weaving through a...

May 16, 2025 18:23

Bhutan’s Secret: The World’s Most Exquisite Hazelnuts

Discover Bhutan’s hidden gem: the world’s most exquisite hazelnuts grown at the highest orchards on Earth. Sustainably farmed, rich in...

May 02, 2025 11:00

Business

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Bhutan Goes Cashless: Bhutan Launches World’s First National Tourism Crypto Payment System

Bhutan partners with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. From flights and...

May 07, 2025 14:06

Thai-Bhutan Relations Strengthen Through Cultural Festival in Thimphu

Thailand hosted the Amazing Thailand Festival in Bhutan 2025 at Clock Tower Square in Thimphu, promoting tourism and cultural exchange under...

Apr 21, 2025 11:11

Lifestyle

Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Feb 03, 2025 10:16

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app