Takin

Description of Takins

Takins are very distinctive dark brown or golden, massive creatures that stand 50 inches high. Takins have short wildebeest-like horns, humped shoulders, and large, moose-like faces. Male takins may weigh up to 1,400 pounds, while females weigh a third less. These massive creature takins travel range from Bhutan eastward along the slopes of the Himalaya to Burma and into China.

Takin Migration & Takin eating habits

In addition, takins migrate seasonally, moving from Alpine areas in summer to forested valleys (bamboo and rhododendron) in winter. As many as 300 takin have been seen congregating to drink. While they spend most of the day resting, takins use the early morning and late afternoon for eating.

What do takins eat?

As it turns out, takins will eat just about any plant, including the leathery leaves of evergreen Takinrhododendrons. Rearing up, a takin can balance on its hind legs to nip off branch tips 8 feet above ground. Or, less delicately, it may prop its forelegs or just its chest against a tree trunk and then lean forward until the trunk snaps.

Sichuan takin at the San Diego Zoo, California