IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Paignton Zoo is home to two male takin, Arnold and Adrian, who live in the limestone quarry up past the giraffe.
Just what is a takin? These mammals are in fact large goat-antelopes native to various habitats and countries in Asia such as China, Myanmar, India and Bhutan.
Takins are herbivores, enjoying a diet of grasses, leaves and shoots. Salt is also an important part of their diet.
Interesting facts!
- Takins have short legs which are supported by large, two-toed hooves. Both males and females have horns.
- These mammals are brilliant climbers! If you’re lucky, you’ll spot them clambering up the almost-vertical walls of the quarry they live in.
- They secrete an oily, smelly substance over their whole body which helps to protect them from the damp and fog. This secretion has also been suggested as a reason for the ‘swollen’ face that the takin exhibits!
Conservation
Mishmi takin, a subspecies of takin, are currently classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They face threats of habitat loss and overhunting.
Many zoos across Europe house this interesting species, and our takin are part of the European Studbook (ESB).
