The birth of a healthy male golden takin this spring marked another milestone in the San Diego Zoo’s animal conservation efforts. This newborn calf is the first male of a species of ruminant sheep-like animals native to the Himalayas to be born in the Western Hemisphere.
“The little tot has a name!” “Meet Jin Tong (pronounced jean tone), a rare golden takin calf and the Western hemisphere’s first male golden takin born,” the San Diego Zoo stated. The name Jin Tong means “golden kid” in Mandarin Chinese, according to their joyful greeting. “Jin Tong’s birth not only marks a significant milestone for his species, but it also helps us better understand takins in order to safeguard them in their native habitat,” the zoo notes. The child is already trotting beside its mother, becoming stronger and healthier by the day.
Jin Tong now has a brown-and-black coat, but as he develops, he will obtain the warm golden coat that gives his species its name. He will also develop a pair of pointed horns. Their tough fur and powerful hooves were designed to help them cross the rugged terrain of China’s southern Shaanxi province. This species has grown vulnerable as a result of deforestation and poaching, which is why conservation efforts are so important. Jin Tong was born almost a year after Mei Ling, a female golden takin whose name translates to “beautiful antelope” in Mandarin. She was born at the San Diego Zoo as well. Let us hope that many more takins be born and enjoy long and healthy lives!
The San Diego Zoo hailed the birth of a golden takin calf on March 21, 2022. It is the western hemisphere’s first male calf of this subspecies. Jin Tong, which means “golden kid” in Mandarin Chinese, has been named by the San Diego Zoo.
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h/t: [People]
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