Classroom lesson · Wildlife · 🇧🇹 Bhutan

Takin

Bhutan's national animal — part cow, part goat, entirely its own thing

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

What is it?

The takin is Bhutan's national animal, and it is one of the strangest-looking creatures you will ever see. With a heavy body like a large cow, sturdy legs like a goat, a long curved nose a bit like a moose, and a thick shaggy coat of golden-brown fur, it looks as though several animals were stitched together. Takins live in the steep mountain forests and meadows of Bhutan and neighbouring countries.

Tell me more

Takins are surprisingly large — an adult male can weigh up to 350 kilograms, which is heavier than a fully grown lion. Despite their bulky shape, they are remarkably agile on steep, rocky mountain slopes. They have hooves designed for gripping slippery surfaces, which means they can scramble up cliffs that would stop most large animals in their tracks.

In summer, takins climb high into the alpine meadows to graze on grasses and herbs. In winter, they move down into lower forests where bamboo and leaves are easier to find. They live in herds of up to a few dozen animals and communicate with deep grunting calls. Their fur is naturally a little oily, which helps them shed rain and keeps them warm in cold mountain weather.

Takins are found only in a small part of the world — Bhutan, parts of neighbouring countries, and a few mountain ranges in between. Because they live in very remote areas, scientists are still learning about their habits. Bhutan protects takins in national parks and nature reserves, and the animal appears on official Bhutanese stamps, coins, and emblems as a proud symbol of the country.

In the classroom

Walk your class through this in 15 minutes.

Talk together

Discussion prompts

01The takin looks like a mix of several different animals. Can you name three animals it reminds you of and say why?
02Why might a country choose an unusual, rare animal as its national symbol rather than a more common one?
03Takins move between high meadows in summer and lower forests in winter. What do you call the movement of animals between seasonal habitats? (Hint: it begins with 'M'.)

Try this

Classroom activity

Design a 'national animal' for your school or classroom. Draw it, name it, and write four facts about it. Explain why it represents your class — what qualities does it have that match your class values?

Takin

Walk your class through this in 15 minutes.

Discussion prompts

Classroom activity

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