Motithang Takin Preserve is located on the hilltop facing Thimphu valley. It is 5 km car drive from Thimphu main core town are. Just below Sangaygang View Point Thimphu. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is preserved there to provide tourists to see the animal. Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
Mothithang Takin Preserve got a large free area covered with Pine forest. Takin can freely move from one place to another place and be protected fully. Once you park your vehicle you can find a big signboard and gate of Takin. you need to hike for 5-10 minutes from the roadside. on the way, you will find the counter for the admission fee room and a small shop, which displays Bhutanese handicrafts and brochures.
It is a large species found in the eastern Himalayas. It includes four subspecies: the Mishmi takin, the golden takin, the Tibetan takin, and the Bhutan takin.
It has a big body and a deep chest. They are about 30 cm long but can grow up to 64 cm. It is long, shaggy in nature with a dark stripe along the back. Their thick wool often turns black in color.
The Takin stands 97 to 140 cm in height. Measurements of weights vary from male to female. The males are slightly larger, weighing 300–350 kg. Female measures around 250–300 kg. The takin secretes an oily, strong-smelling substance over its whole body.
The story of Takin & Lam Drukpa Kunley. He is also called ” The Divine Madman”. He arrived in Bhutan from Tibet during the 15th century. He delivered religious teachings to the locals. The locals requested him to conjure up a miracle. He concurred, on the condition that he would be fed lunch – a whole cow & a whole goat. The local offered him lunch. The Lam Drukpa Kunley devoured the flesh of both animals & left out the bones. After that, he fixed the head of the goat onto the body of the cow with a mantra. The particular animal instantly began grazing on the meadows. Latter on the animal was named “Dong Gyem Tsey” which means Takin.
Mothithang Takin Preserve center is nearby a few attractive places.
Sangaygang View Point Thimphu is just 2 km car drive above Mothithang Takin Preserve.