‘Extraordinary’ Sichuan takin arriving at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Posted Apr 20, 2026 12:16 pm.
Last Updated Apr 20, 2026 4:59 pm.
An “extraordinary” new animal will appear at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Asian Highlands exhibit in July.
A Sichuan takin, a combination of a goat and an antelope, is arriving as part of the zoo’s Imagine Asia redevelopment project, which will open this summer.
According to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the Imagine Asia redevelopment project brings together wildlife conservation, education, and tourism to create “meaningful connections between people and nature in Alberta.” It received support from Alberta, the City of Calgary, Travel Alberta, and other donors, funders, and partners.
“This new addition creates even more reasons for international travellers to put Calgary at the centre of their Alberta experience,” said David Goldstein, President and CEO of Travel Alberta.
Also in that exhibit will be red Pandas and snow leopards, adding that the Sichuan takin will bring visitors closer to the wildlife and landscapes of the eastern Himalayas.
Animal care and welfare senior manager Kim Walker says the animals’ unique appearance and behaviours make them fascinating animals.
“Sichuan takin are an extraordinary addition for us,” she said in a news release.
“They’re a species many guests may never have seen in person before, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our zoo family. Their unique appearance and behaviours make them a fascinating animal for guests to discover in Asian Highlands.”
Sichuan takin shares characteristics with goats, antelopes, and muskox. They prefer a diet of grasses, shrubs, and leaves and often live in steep, rugged areas.
“Each species in Asian Highlands offers an opportunity to connect people with wildlife and conservation,” Walker said. “By sharing the story of the Sichuan takin, we hope to deepen understanding of the challenges they face in the wild, while also shining a light on efforts to protect them.”
In the wild, Sichuan takin are a Class I protected species in China, the highest level of national wildlife protection. However, they are listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, as populations face pressures from habitat loss due to farming and mining, as well as illegal wildlife trade.
