In a gesture of deep cultural and diplomatic significance, His Majesty The King of Bhutan has offered a pair of takins, Bhutan’s national animal, as a royal gift to Their Majesties The King and Queen of Thailand. This historic translocation, set to take place around January 2026 pending royal approval, marks the first time this Bhutanese subspecies of takin will reside outside their native Himalayan kingdom. The gift symbolizes the enduring bond between the two monarchies and their shared history, as well as Bhutan’s appreciation for Thailand’s role as a key partner in Southeast Asia.
A Symbol of Friendship
The pair of takins, named Sonam, a 16-month-old male born in March 2024, and Rinchen Lhamo, an 11-month-old female born in August 2024, are destined for Chiang Mai Zoo in northern Thailand. According to Jade Donavanik, Acting Chairman of the Board of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, the move awaits formal permission from the royal families of both nations. “But as far as we have gathered information, it might be around January of 2026” he noted.
This exchange is more than a transfer of animals; it is a profound expression of goodwill. Kesang Wangdi, Ambassador of the Royal Bhutan Embassy in Thailand and Deputy Chairman of the Royal Privy Council of Bhutan, emphasized the importance of the gesture. He compared Thailand’s king to the legendary King Ashoka, a historical figure renowned for spreading Buddhist teachings, and expressed gratitude for royal relics previously gifted by Thailand to Bhutan. “As a token of appreciation, Bhutan is sending two takins, its national animal, to Thailand, symbolising deeper collaboration” Wangdi said. 
Cultural Significance of the Takin
In Bhutanese culture, the takin holds a unique spiritual place, tied to a 15th-century legend about Lam Drukpa Kunley, often referred to as the Divine Madman. According to folklore, when villagers requested a miracle from the revered saint, he consumed a cow and a goat, leaving only their bones. He then fused the goat’s head onto the cow’s skeleton, and with a snap of his fingers, the creature came to life, grazing in the meadows. Drukpa Kunley named this miraculous being “Dong Gyem Tsey” or takin, cementing its place in Bhutanese identity as a symbol of resilience and wonder.
Jade Donavanik highlighted the spiritual weight of the takin during a recent five-day field course in Bhutan, where 15 Thai delegates from various government sectors, including national parks, wildlife conservation, and diplomatic affairs, studied takin management. The program included visits to protected areas like Jigme Dorji National Park in Tamji, Gasa, and the Royal Takin Preserve. Delegates also received hands-on training in safe capture techniques, health management, and chemical immobilization. “This gift symbolises the strong bond and shared history between the two kingdoms” Donavanik remarked, reflecting on the cultural insights gained during the training.
Logistical Challenges and Preparations
Transporting the takins from Bhutan to Thailand presents significant logistical hurdles, primarily due to the stark contrast in climate between the cool, mountainous terrain of Bhutan and Thailand’s warmer, tropical environment. To address this, the translocation is planned for Thailand’s winter season, with the takins being housed in the cooler northern region of Chiang Mai. Donavanik explained that while full acclimatization will take time, Chiang Mai Zoo is preparing a tailored habitat. “Plans include a cooling system, an air-conditioned room for summer, and potentially a snowing system to create a more suitable environment” he said.
The journey itself will involve a Thai Air Force C-130 plane, with the Royal Thai Air Force conducting simulations to ensure a smooth transfer. The takins will be acclimated to cages prior to transport, sedated during the flight, and possibly blindfolded to reduce stress. Upon arrival, they will be carefully revived and introduced to their new home, which will feature a natural-like setting with waterfalls and enrichment activities to promote their well-being.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Beyond the immediate symbolism of the gift, this exchange underscores Bhutan’s view of Thailand as a vital link to Southeast Asia. Wangdi noted that Thailand is seen as a crucial partner in Bhutan’s future development, fostering collaboration across cultural, economic, and diplomatic spheres. The arrival of the takins is expected to generate significant public interest in Thailand, with Donavanik anticipating great public excitement for these unique animals. He hopes their presence will spotlight the historical and spiritual stories of the takin, as well as the brotherhood between the two royal families.
As preparations continue, the takins’ journey from Bhutan to Thailand stands as a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy. Their new home in Chiang Mai will not only serve as a sanctuary for these remarkable creatures but also as a living reminder of the ties that bind two kingdoms across the region.
