The Sichuan takin is native to Tibet and the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, and Xinjiang in China. In total, there are four subspecies of takin which include the Sichuan, the Mishmi, the golden, and the Bhutan takin. Takins’ appearance shares many similarities with the species’ distant relatives; their size and shape are similar to the musk ox, and their face shares similarities with the Barbary sheep.

Their large snouts and nostrils help the takin in colder temperatures. As they breathe in, air is warmed in their nasal cavity before it reaches their lungs. In turn, this helps them maintain their body heat. Takin also have a secondary layer of fur to help them stay warm, and their skin naturally produces an oily substance that makes their fur waterproof.

Although takin are not widely known in the U.S., China recognizes this animal as a national treasure.

If you’d like to share an interesting detail about the Sichuan takin, here’s a fun fact: the takin bears a resemblance to Beast in Beauty and the Beast, leading to the theory that Disney’s artists and character designers took inspiration from this animal!

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Our Current Resident

Khan

Khan was born at the Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo, Colorado, and came to ZooMontana in 2016. Khan and Griff are siblings born a year apart and were reunited here at the Zoo. Khan is slightly larger but has smaller horns and a scar on his forehead from sparring with his brother. 

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born on April 16, 2015

Grif

Grif was born at the Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo, Colorado, and came to ZooMontana in 2020. Grif and Khan are siblings born a year apart and were reunited here at the Zoo. Grif is smaller than Kahn but has larger horns.  

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born on April 1, 2016