Takin Preserve

On the verdant slopes of the mystical Thimphu Valley, the Royal Takin Preserve unfolds like a living tapestry of ancient lore and natural splendor. Established in the early 1970s, this wildlife sanctuary was initially a modest mini zoo. It was renovated and officially introduced as the Motithang Takin Preserve in 2005, marking a significant step in Bhutan's conservation efforts. Embraced by dense forests, the preserve harbors Bhutan's revered national animal, the enigmatic takin. These remarkable creatures, often likened to a "bee stung moose," wander freely across the undulating terrain, embodying the wild spirit of the Eastern Himalayas.

Visitors enter through a traditionally styled entrance gate, stepping into a realm where local mythology connected to the divine madman, Lam Drukpa Kunley, mingles with the earthy scents of alpine meadows. Here, amidst lush grazing lands, the Bhutan takin thrives under the stewardship of white-uniformed attendants from the Nature Conservation Division.

The preserve began humbly as a modest mini takin zoo and has transformed into a sanctuary of spiritual and ecological significance. The declaration of the takin as the national animal of Bhutan resonates through every corner of this sanctuary. Schoolchildren often visit in chattering groups, while naturalists set up observation posts at dawn, waiting for sunlight to bathe the preserve in golden light.

This sanctuary does more than protect a vulnerable species; it offers a window into the harmony between Bhutanese folklore and conservation ethos, a testament to the kingdom's dedication to preserving its sacred lands.

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