The takin

The takin

The takin usually lives in the heights of the Himalayas.

It belongs to the goat family like goats and sheep. It is the tallest and stockiest animal of this species. It looks like a mix of cow and goat, or even a wildebeest.

It has horns, which it takes the time to sharpen all day on the bark of trees generally. He really two knives on the head! This serves him to defend himself and fight other males.

When he feels in danger, the takin pushes a hoarse cryto warn his congeners.

The teaser secretes a fragrant oil on his body before the rain comes.

Camille, caretaker at the Auvergne animal park in Ardes sur Couze © Radio France
Caroline Jeangerard

6 takins live at the animal park

  • The females, Larissa, Marissa, and Timphou (name of the capital of Bhutan) born in the park in March 2020
  • The Bao male and 2 small males were born at the beginning of 2022

These births are a source of great pride for the animal park of Ardes sur Couze, which is the coordinator of this species. The conservation project for this species is managed by the park veterinarian. He takes care of managing the entire population of Takin in Europe, ie 170 individuals for the Mishmi teaser species.

Little takin born in the animal park of Auvergne d'Ardes sur Couze
Little takin born in the animal park of Auvergne d’Ardes sur Couze
@Marie Demoulin

Legends around the takin

  • The coat with golden highlights of the takin could be, it is said, the famous Golden Fleece that Jason, hero of Greek mythology, went to look for.
  • We also find the takin in a legend of the Bhutan of which it is the national emblem. In the 15th century, a monk would have brought this strange animal to life by assembling cow bones and a goat’s head.

To see the takins, head to house number 31 which they share with the markhors and a hog deer.

Spot the animals on the park map
Spot the animals on the park map
Auvergne animal park

The Auvergne animal park of Ardes sur Couze

The Auvergne animal park has been committed since 2012 to the protection of endangered species. You will discover species in danger of extinction. The park also financially supports wildlife protection programs around the world. 1€ of your ticket is donated to Play for Nature to support these programs

To discover the 350 animals of 65 different species and prepare your visit, head to the site of the Auvergne animal park in Ardes sur Couze. The park is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Please note that pets are not allowed in the park.

Of many activities with animals are offered to you: day caretaker, family safari, privileged encounter…and new for 2022: breakfast with the animals before the park opens!

Follow the news of the Auvergne animal park on Facebook

The African proverb to meditate
The African proverb to meditate ©Getty
AlonzoDesign

Mushu, Oshi and company on Saturday and Sunday at 8:10 a.m. on France Bleu Pays d’Auvergne with Patricia Farat and Léa, Clémence, Hélène, Camille, carers at the Auvergne animal park


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