Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and a visit to Motithang Takin Preserve is a must-do in Thimphu. This one-of-its-kind animal can be found only in Bhutan which has got face of a goat, and the body of a cow. Legends have it that the formation of Takin was created by the Buddhist yogi Drupa Kunley, popularly called “The Divine Madman” in the 15 century. This yogi was a religious preacher as well as a proficient tantric. The story goes that once he was requested by Bhutanese devotees to conjure a miracle before them. He agreed on a condition that he should be fed a cow and a goat for lunch. After completing his meal, the yogi left the bones. He then joined the head of the goat on the skeleton of the cow. With a crack, he created a live animal known as takin today. Due to religious connection, the animal was declared the national animal of the country Bhutan. Few years ago when Takins were confined in a mini Zoo, the King of Bhutan that time felt bad for the confinement of the animal, and ordered to free the animal from the clutches. Surprisingly, Takins strayed on the streets of Thimphu in search of food for weeks. Thereafter, it was decided to keep them in a forested habitat from where the preserve came in. An area of 8.4 acres was fenced for the preserve.

The preserve closes down at 5 pm.