Pueblo Zoo’s Sichuan takin, “Dawa” gives surprise birth

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Pueblo Zoo keepers received a surprise bundle of joy from Sichuan takin mama, “Dawa” on Wednesday, April 17, when the antelope-like goat gave birth to a new baby.

According to the Pueblo Zoo, they are waiting to get a closer look at the gender of the new baby takin, who is the second offspring from 6-year-old Dawa and the late 6-year-old KJ. Dawa’s first baby was Mei-Xing, born in May of 2022. Both mother and baby are doing great.

The takin, which rhymes with “rockin’,” is a relative to the musk ox that lives in remote areas of China. The Pueblo Zoo quoted the St. Louis Zoo in saying, “Wild takin behavior is not well known, partly because they live in such remote areas. Scientists do know, however, that the number of wild takins is declining due to hunting and habitat destruction. Fortunately, these animals are considered national treasures by the Chinese government and are fully protected by law.”

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