- Location: Motithang, Thimphu, Bhutan
- Area: 3.4 hectares
- Foundation date: November 25, 2005.
Butane - a real mystery country, in search of an answer to which you can find a lot of impressions and positive emotions. Surprisingly, its capital has a completely different format - in the streets of Thimphu you will not find crowds of pedestrians in business suits who are rushing to take their work place in offices, there are no bright signs of boutiques and noisy clubs. The local population does not complain about poverty and difficulties, but simply strives for ordinary happiness in its understanding. Among the colors of folk traditions and cuisine , among the charm of mountains and forests, among the abundance of Buddhist monasteries and their shrines, pay some attention to the unique nature reserve of Motitang Takin in the heart of the capital, which is dedicated to the national animal of Bhutan.
Few interesting facts
Takin is an amazing animal, something like a mountain goat. Today, its population is on the verge of extinction. A curious feature is the fact that it was this animal that the Butanes chose as their national. And this is not surprising, because its habitat is the green forests of the Eastern Himalayas.
In view of this disastrous situation, in 2004 in the capital of Bhutan Thimphu a unique nature reserve called Motitang Takin was created. Its main task is to preserve the population of tacnics. For these animals, the most comfortable conditions are created here - cages or any cells in the mini-zoo are considered unacceptable. Takins freely wander through the territory of the reserve, the area of which is 3.4 hectares, and for tourists equipped with special sites designed to ensure safe observation.
Interestingly, but in due time these animals managed not only to surprise, but also to amuse. Once the King of Bhutan considered it wrong to keep takings locked up in the framework of Buddhism and ordered to open all the gates of the reserve. However, those, in turn, did not run away into the forests, but simply wandered aimlessly through the city streets in the vicinity of the mini-zoo. Given such domestication and complaisance, the king reassured his conscience, allowing these animals to lead a calm and measured life again in the territory of the Mothitan Takin reserve.
In addition to takin, there are Indian sambar and muntjaks from the genus of deer in the park. However, a well-fed and measured life led to a new scourge - this is the obesity of animals. Now the reserve administration is actively looking for a way to solve this problem.
There are strict rules for tourists in the Motitang Takin reserve in Bhutan . It is strictly forbidden to feed and frighten animals, and it is also highly discouraged to approach tacitly or to allow young children to approach them. For organized groups of tourists, there is an opportunity to take a guide who will very colorfully tell a number of entertaining facts and legends associated with takings.
How to get there?
The Monitang Takin reserve is located within the city limits of Thimphu, so you can get there by taxi or by excursion bus provided by your tour operator.
| | |
| | |
