Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Sichuan Takin Brothers

Chicago (April 8, 2026) – Everyone’s takin about the newest arrivals at Lincoln Park Zoo! Sichuan takin brothers Porter and Taiyang are settling into their new habitat in the zoo’s South Loop.

Porter, who is 3 years old, and Taiyang, who is 2, come to Chicago from Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, where they were born. Sichuan takins are part of the goat-antelope family and have split hooves; thick, coarse coats; and distinct curved horns that look like a handlebar moustache above their ears. Measuring 5 to 7 feet in length and 3 to 4 feet tall, they are on the larger side of the goat-antelope family.

“Takins are such a fun and unique animal to see, and we’re excited to welcome these two brothers to their new home here at Lincoln Park Zoo,” said Curator Dan Boehm. “We’re quickly getting to know their personalities and have been impressed already with how quickly they’ve settled into their habitat.”

Porter and Taiyang will also soon experience a brand new, large-scale climbing structure hand built by the zoo’s Facilities team. This multi-level structure mimics the steep mountains in the takin’s native range in the Himalayan mountains, encouraging the brothers here at the zoo to climb and play. This new structure has been generously funded by longtime Lincoln Park Zoo supporter, volunteer, and Heritage Society member Sue Ann Selle.

Sichuan takins have a native range within the mountainous bamboo forests of central China. They are social animals that gather in herds of up to 100 individuals in spring and summer, before shifting to smaller groups or a solitary life during the colder months. The species has numerous adaptations that allow them to live comfortably in both the low and high elevations that they migrate between. Their skin produces an oily substance that naturally waterproofs their coat, their large sinus cavities help warm up the air as they breathe, and their short legs and split hooves help stabilize them when climbing up the steep Himalayan mountains in search of vegetation to eat.

Sichuan takins are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their numbers have decreased in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, they are considered a first-class national protected animal by the Chinese government, affording them the same protections as the giant panda which they share a native habitat with. Sichuan takins and giant pandas can be found co-habituating in wildlife sanctuaries and protected forests in China.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

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