Two Tiny Takins

I’m very happy to announce some wonderful winter arrivals. Not just one, but two baby takins have been born at the zoo’s Antelope & Zebra Area.

The two baby takins explored their exhibit at Antelope & Zebra Area this morning.

Sichuan takins are my favorite animal. As you see photos of the little ones—or better yet, see them play in person at the zoo—I’m sure they’ll become one of your favorites as well.

The species is native to China and surrounding mountain ranges, where they graze on shrubs and grasses. They’re vulnerable in the wild, a consequence of hunting and habitat loss. Lincoln Park Zoo manages the species in partnership with other zoos through the Sichuan Takin Species Survival Plan (SSP)®, a shared conservation effort managed by our general curator, Dave Bernier.

Our Sichuan takin herd now numbers five animals. There’s father Quanli, who arrived from Montgomery Zoo in 2011 as part of an SSP breeding recommendation. There are moms Jinse and Mei Li, a first-time mom who was born at the zoo herself in 2007.

Finally, there are the two newest arrivals, born January 31 and February 9. Both are males—and we’re looking for your help in naming them! Our animal care experts have picked a set of Mandarin names to honor the species’ roots. Visit www.lpzoo.org/namethetakins to pick your two favorites by February 19. We’ll announce the winners next week…and share some more photos as well.

The herd will be on exhibit from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for the next couple weeks as they adjust to life with the little ones. Come by and see them yourself!

Kevin Bell

Learn More

Announcing the Names Thanks to all the fans who voted for names for our two tiny takins! Xing Fu and Mengyao are the winners—learn what they mean at the link.

Takin Pregnancy Test Hormone analysis, research and scientific collaboration contributed to the successful births of two male takins.

Help the Herd

Takin of the Town Celebrate the arrival of the zoo’s Sichuan takin babies with an adorable ADOPT gift package! Your purchase supports care for the growing boys and their moms.

The Kids Are Alright Celebrate the arrival of two Sichuan takin kids by purchasing items for the playful pair from our Wish List!

Watch the Baby Takins

Baby Takins at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo
There's a double dose of play in Lincoln Park Zoo's Antelope & Zebra Area, where the Sichuan takin herd has welcomed two babies!