The Takin - Bhutans National Animal

While youre visiting Bhutan, its well worth keeping an eye out for Bhutans national animal the Dong Gyem Tsey, or takin

. A goat-antelope found in the Eastern Himalaya, its 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. Its no wonder stories have sprung up in the country surrounding their origin if you catch a glimpse of one while youre in Bhutan trekking, its 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 isnt 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 hed 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 wasnt miraculous enough, he then placed the goats head with the cows 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 isnt as great an issue as with other endangered species across the globe, as their body parts dont 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.

by: Jude Limburn Turner

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