In a rare and symbolic gesture of royal friendship, Bhutan will gift a pair of takins—its revered national animal—to Thailand, marking a deepening of cultural and diplomatic ties between the two Himalayan and Southeast Asian kingdoms.
According to Jade Donavanik, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, the two takins—a male named Sonam and a female named Rinchen Lhamo—are expected to arrive in Thailand around January 2026, pending royal approval from both nations. The animals will be housed at Chiang Mai Zoo, where preparations are already underway to ensure their comfort and care.
“This gift symbolises the strong bond and shared history between the two kingdoms,” said Donavanik. “We see this as more than just a transfer of animals—it’s a cultural and spiritual connection.”
The takin holds a mythical status in Bhutanese folklore. Its origin is attributed to Lam Drukpa Kunley, the eccentric 15th-century saint known as the “Divine Madman.” Legend has it that he miraculously created the takin by fusing a goat’s head onto a cow’s body after consuming both animals. With a snap of his fingers, the beast sprang to life and began grazing in the highlands, earning its name Dong Gyem Tsey—takin.
The pair bound for Thailand are young: Sonam, the male, was born in March 2024, while Rinchen Lhamo, the female, was born in August of the same year. Their arrival will mark the first time Bhutanese takins will reside outside Bhutan, underscoring the importance of this historic exchange.
To facilitate the transfer and care of the takins, a Thai delegation of 15 officials from departments including national parks, wildlife conservation, livestock development, and diplomacy recently completed an intensive five-day field training in Bhutan. Their visit included tours of the Royal Takin Preserve and Jigme Dorji National Park, as well as hands-on sessions on animal capture, sedation, hoof trimming, and habitat management.
During the training, delegates immersed themselves in Bhutan’s unique ecological and cultural approach to takin conservation. “We learned not only about the biology and care of the takins but also their sacred role in Bhutanese heritage,” said Donavanik.
The Royal Thai Air Force will be responsible for the transport operation, including a simulation exercise to ensure safety and comfort for the animals. The takins will travel aboard a C-130 military aircraft, gradually acclimatised to their transport cages and sedated during the flight. On arrival, they will be revived with minimal stress—possibly blindfolded to reduce sensory overload.
One of the most significant challenges will be adapting the takins to Thailand’s warmer climate. To ease this transition, their enclosure in Chiang Mai Zoo will feature a state-of-the-art cooling system, including an air-conditioned space for summer months and potentially even an artificial snow generator. Zoo staff also plan to create a naturalistic habitat complete with waterfalls and enrichment activities to ensure their well-being and mental stimulation.
Kesang Wangdi, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand and Deputy Chairman of the Royal Privy Council of Bhutan, emphasized the diplomatic weight of this gesture. “Thailand is a vital partner for Bhutan’s future development and a gateway to Southeast Asia,” he said. Comparing Thailand’s monarch to the ancient Indian emperor King Ashoka, Wangdi noted the shared reverence for Buddhist values and mutual respect between the two nations.
“This is a token of appreciation,” he added, referencing Bhutan’s gratitude for royal relics previously received from Thailand. “The takins symbolize not just our national identity, but also the brotherhood between our monarchs.”
As the countdown begins for the arrival of Sonam and Rinchen Lhamo, excitement is mounting in Thailand, where the animals are expected to become ambassadors of goodwill and cultural exchange.
Donavanik expressed hope that the Thai public will embrace the takins not only as exotic creatures, but as living links to a rich, spiritual legend—and a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship between Bhutan and Thailand.
