Detroit Zoo welcomes two Sichuan takins

April 7th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News

Royal Oak — The Detroit Zoo welcomed two 10-month-old Sichuan takins to its camel habitat, joining a short list of North American zoos caring for these animals in captivity, zoo officials said.

The Sichuan takin brothers, Kalden and Deshi, came to the Detroit Zoo from the Saint Louis Zoo. The takin is a large, ox-like animal with a body like a bison, nose like a moose, horns like a wildebeest and tail like a bear.

The animal’s long, shaggy coat varies from light yellow to reddish-brown and has a dark stripe down its back. A mature takin typically stands about 5 feet tall and weighs between 550 to 880 pounds.

“The takins will give our visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about an interesting, little-known species and to gain a greater understanding of the species,” said Scott Carter, director of conservation and animal welfare in a statement.

Takins are found along the eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau and are regarded as a national treasure by the Chinese government. They are considered vulnerable in the wild. Although they are given protection under Chinese law, the mammals are still hunted for meat and suffer from loss of habitat due to farming, mining and logging.

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