Motithang Takin Preserve In Thimphu – Roam With The Beasts

The South Asian Country of Bhutan, also known as ‘Kingdom of Bhutan’, lies at the eastern end of the Himalayas. The country parts its borders with China in the north and with India on all the other sides. The important part of Bhutan is the capital of the country, Thimphu, which is also the largest city in the country. The city is remarkably captivating and will help you breathe fresh air and give a hustle-free experience unlike the metropolitan cities around the world. It is remarkable that the preserve for the National animal of Bhutan, Takin, is present in the national capital. The Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu is home to several of these strange beasts which resemble a hybrid between goat and cows. Here is everything that you need to know about the Motithan Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

What is Takin?

The national animal of Bhutan, Takin, looks like musk ox but genetically it is similar to the sheep. It is a rare-type animal present over the Eastern Himalayas. These animals usually live in a higher altitude and the four subspecies of the takin live throughout Bhutan, Northeast India, Northwest Myanmar, and the Himalayan region of China.

Based on the myth amidst the locals, a 15th-century saint led to this strange creature as he agreed to execute a miracle in exchange for lunch. As he got the lunch, he slapped the head of a goat and brought it to a cow’s skeleton brought this new breed of species to exist. However, in reality, Takin came into existence because of the convergent evolution. The strange outlook of Tupin is due to the animals’ protracted nostrils, giant heads, and firm torsos. Taxonomists, biologists, and zoologists have been showing interest in the animal for years as it is genetically similar to sheep.

Motithang Takin Preserve In Thimphu

Motithang Takin Preserve before it was this large habitat, it was once a small zoo. However, the King of Bhutan believed it was unethical to constrain the animals squeezed into a cage. Hence, the big beasts were set free but they didn’t go far away and stayed close to the region. These free takins became a part of human life and never left beyond Thimpu. As a result, The Motithang Takin Preserve came into reality to provide shelter to Bhutan’s four-legged national animal. At present, the reserve covers 8.4 acres of meticulously maintained forest. Due to its status of animals, the Bhutanese authorities have been working hard for the well-being of the animal.

Other than Thimpu, the Takins are present in the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in India. One of the interesting factoids is that you can also spot an actively breeding herd of Takins in Cumberland, Ohio. This herd of Takins was planted there as a part of the Species Survival Plan so that these animals prosper.

Takin is a highly valued animal and part of the Bhutan culture. Also, their horns and flesh are useful in traditional medicine to ease the pain of childbirth. Witness this amazing animal on your next visit to the country of Bhutan. Don’t wait and begin to plan and execute a wonderful vacation to the Land of Dragon. Happy Travelling!

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