What's a Takin?

A first for the L.A. Zoo is the birth of a female Sichuan takin, born on July 3, 2009!

Though takin may look like a combination of various animals: the snout of a moose, horns of a cow, tail of a bear, body of a buffalo and a mountain goat’s feet and agility, takins actually belong to a group of animals called goat-antelope. This group also includes domestic sheep and goats.

In China takin share a mountain habitat with the giant panda, which has proven beneficial for the takin’s preservation. Pandas are an “umbrella species,” which means that protecting panda habitats also safeguards the other animals that share their habitats. Like the panda, the takin is considered a treasure in its native land and is protected by the Chinese government. The newest addition to the Zoo’s takin herd is wandering the exhibit with its parents! LINK