Bhutan from it’s national animal’s perspective.
High in the misty folds of the eastern Himalayas, where rhododendrons bloom like scattered fire across emerald valleys, I stand proud — a Takin, old as the mountains and shaped by myths.
They call me Dong Gyem Tsey in these lands. Some say the great saint, Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, created me from the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Strange origin, perhaps, but it explains why I walk like neither and both.
For centuries, my kind wandered these mountains freely, grazing on bamboo shoots and licking mineral-rich rocks. But things began to change. The forests thinned, the air grew louder, and paths we once knew disappeared under steel and stone.
Then came hope — in the form of humans who remembered.
In Bhutan, we were not forgotten. I still recall the day they moved some of us to a quiet sanctuary in Thimphu, a peaceful haven nestled among pine-covered hills. The people here didn’t come to harm us. They came to watch, to learn, to protect. They called it a preserve — a safe space, free from hunting and harm.
Soon, more forests were named as protected areas — rich corridors where we could roam from mountain to meadow without fear. The country linked these wild lands with something they called biological corridors, like green bridges through which my cousins and I can travel safely. Bhutan didn’t just keep forests; it connected them.
But what touches my old heart most is how the children are taught about me. In schools, they draw me, learn my name, my legend. Not just as a curiosity, but as a symbol of something sacred. Their king and leaders say Bhutan’s wealth is not in gold, but in Gross National Happiness — and happiness, they believe, includes letting animals like me live in peace.
There are still dangers, of course — roads that slice through silence, climate shifts that make our winters strange. But Bhutan listens. They adapt. They care.
So I graze, high on a misty ridge, watching the sun slip behind the snow-capped peaks. I am not just a beast of legend here. I am a guardian of the wild, and thanks to Bhutan’s people, I still walk these ancient paths.
And I will… for generations to come.
I and my cousins might be the guardian of the wild, but, both – the country and the humans living in Bhutan are our guardian angel. We are very grateful to both as not every animal in the world is lucky enough to have a guardian angel. The humans here have taught us the true meaning of love. We no longer fear them, but trust them immensely. For this reason we make an appearance and pose for them when they visit our home. We have also come to know that humans in Bhutan have declared us the National Animal of Bhutan; made us their identity and presented us the honor to represent the country in the world.
Because of this, our love for humans has grown trifold. We love when they visit us and bring their friends along. That’s why I and my cousins strike a pose whenever they pull out their cameras or phone. Perfecting the selfie pose? Yeah, we’re not quite there yet.
However, we are a very fast and good learner. If you teach, we will learn- like flowers leaning toward the light. But fair warning- lessons happen at my house in Bhutan. This way other wildlife in Bhutan, such as sambar and barking deer, yak and red muntjac, sharing our home, will also get a chance meet you and strike a pose for your animal photo galleries.
My dear humans have also constructed viewing elevated walkway platforms for you to enjoy the panoramic views of us walking freely, safely and confidently in our abode. Additionally, they have also added updated informational sinage to provide insights into our biology, conservation efforts and cultural importance in Bhutan, yes, with our full consent, of course.
Planning to visit my abode any time soon and traveling without an agency? Let me help you with my address. My house name is the Royal Takin Preserve and I am located in the Motithang district just above Thimpu- the capital of Bhutan. It’s just a 15-20-mintue drive from the city. However, if you are driving from Paro, you might have to add additional 1 to 1.5 hours to the drive. We welcome visitors from 9:00AM to 4:00PM every day. But our preferred time to meet you is 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Afternoon gets a little tiring and we prefer to spend time with our family.
Nevertheless, if you prefer someone to guide you to my home, there are humans who provide multi-day Bhutan Tour and Travels Packages in which they include the visit of my home as well. These Bhutan Tour packages designed by Bhutan Tour companies will give you an English-speaking guide, who will give you a walking tour of my home and fill you in on all other details you might be interested in taking back home and sharing with your friends and family. However, to visit my home, you need to ask your Bhutan travel planner to include the capital city ,Thimpu, in your Bhutan tour itinerary.
