For Release: September 7, 2007
Contact:
Pamela Baker-Masson 
(202) 633-3084 or cell (202) 380-2963
Sarah Taylor (202) 633-3081
Takin Dies at National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center
One of the National Zoo’s takin was found dead Wednesday morning in its yard at the Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Va. Based on the location of the takin and condition of the yard’s fence, staff reasoned that the animal forcefully charged the fence resulting in a broken neck. Residing adjacent to the takins’ enclosure was a male Przewalski's horse, which staff deduced prompted the takin’s charge. National Zoo managers investigated the incident and determined that the Przewalski’s horse was not properly secured in its regular enclosure, which permitted the horse to provoke the takin.
The two year old male takin was born Feb. 2005 and came to CRC as a gift from the San Diego Zoo on Dec. 13, 2006. The takin is a goat-antelope found in heavily forested areas of the Eastern Himalayas. Covered in thick wool, takin stand three to four feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 700 lbs. Takin have large muzzles and eyes with noticeably small ears and are classified as “vulnerable” on the 2006 World Conservation Union’s Red List.
The animal was not under medical treatment for any particular disease or condition. A final pathology report may provide more information.
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