Page 26 - BHUTAN 2007
P. 26
The takin is connected with one of the most important lamas in Bhutanese
history: the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is said that he
actually created the takin from the skeleton of a cow and the head of a
goat—one of his many miracles to convince the people of his powers. As a
possible support for this theory of the animal’s origin, even today
taxonomists are befuddled as to exactly where the takin should be placed
among the cow-like and/or goat-like creatures, and some question if it is
actually either one!
Males can reach 1000 pounds with females attaining weights around 600
lbs. In the higher mountains where the takin lives, he had been a food
source for humans in the distant past, but killing them is now forbidden and
