The Takin – Bhutan’s National Animal
While you’re visiting Bhutan, it’s well worth keeping an eye out for Bhutan’s national animal – the ‘Dong Gyem Tsey’, or takin. A ‘goat-antelope’ found in the Eastern Himalaya, it’s a rare sight, native to Bhutan and closely associated to the mythology of the country. The takin has an unusual appearance, and has been likened to a ‘bee-stung moose’ because of its odd facial shape, which looks almost to be a swollen grimace of pain! They are, however, covered in thick golden wool, which turns black on their underbellies, giving them a truly unique appearance. It’s no wonder stories have sprung up in the country surrounding their origin – if you catch a glimpse of one while you’re in Bhutan trekking, it’s well worth knowing the story of their creation.
The Divine Madman
It is said that the Lama Drukpa Kunley was a traveller popularly known as the divine madman, which might be a name that makes you thankful he isn’t accompanying you in Bhutan trekking! He came to Bhutan in the 15th century, to attend a large congregation of devotees that had come together from all over Bhutan to hear another saint speaking. His unorthodox and outrageous manner made him unpopular with the gathering, and they began provoking him and demanding he show them an example of the magical powers he was boasting about.
An Extraordinary Meal
Undisturbed by their reaction, Kunley the Divine Madman was soon to prove exactly how he’d acquired such a colourful moniker. He sat down, and demanded a whole cow and goat for lunch. He relished the meat, and devoured the entire animals, leaving only their bones remaining. It can only be imagined how far he must have travelled through Bhutan trekking to make him so hungry. In some retellings, he finished the meal with a mighty burp of satisfaction. As if this extraordinary appetite wasn’t miraculous enough, he then placed the goats head with the cow’s bones, and snapped his fingers, commanding the beast to rise up and graze on the slopes of the mountains! The strange beast immediately rose up and did as it was bidden, leaving the onlookers shocked and astonished.
The Takin
Although their origins are shrouded in myth and legend, the takin can actually be spotted if you keep a sharp eye out on your Bhutan trekking adventure. There are more than 1,000 takin living in the Jigme Dorje National Park, and other areas of Bhutan. The takin are sure footed creatures, and will often migrate up to sub-alpine forests and meadows above 3,700m to escape leeches, horseflies, mosquitoes, and other parasites of the monsoon season in the lower valleys. While many takin live at high altitudes, a few of these creatures can also be seen living at the zoo on Sangaygan in Thimphu.
Endangered Species
Luckily, since they are an endangered species, and the National Animal of Bhutan, the law bans takin from being hunted. Poaching isn’t as great an issue as with other endangered species across the globe, as their body parts don’t have any significant value. While in Bhutan trekking the mountainous regions, keep an eye out – you may just be joined by a takin or two before you settle down to eat a whole cow and goat for your dinner.
Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan trekking holidays. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.
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