Takin Tales: Why So Serious?

I feel like I’ve been in Bhutan long enough now that the legends and reality seem to blur into one another. So when I was told of strange-looking creatures roaming the forests near Thimphu, it didn't come as a shock. It was just another day in Bhutan!

 The Takin, Bhutan's peculiar national animal, has a backstory that sounds straight out of a Grimms’ fairy tale. Legend has it that Lama Drukpa Kunley, better known as the Divine Mad Man, concocted the curious creature after he agreed to conjure up a miracle in exchange for lunch. He then slapped the head of a goat atop a cow’s skeleton and brought this new animal to life.

Like many things I have come to realize in Bhutan, the Takin defies conventional categorisation. The Takin - according to biologists (and far more boring), is a rare type of goat-antelope living in the Eastern Himalayas.

 Now, these majestic beings, with their serene demeanour and unique appearance, have found refuge in the Royal Takin Preserve, nestled right in the heart of Thimphu and I highly recommend a visit. It's 8.4 acres of carefully curated forest, where Takins and Sambar Deer roam freely in their natural habitat. One of the things I really liked was to get to see them, you stroll along elevated walkways, taking in all the sights and sounds of this wildlife wonderland.

 The Royal Takin Preserve is located just a stone's throw away from Thimphu. A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure sanctuary. So, if you're ever in Thimphu and find yourself in need of a good laugh (or just a break from reality), swing by the Royal Takin Preserve. Trust me, watching these oddball mammals scratch their backs against the fence is worth the trip alone. It's nature's way of saying, "Hey, why so serious?" 🦌🌿