Meet Jin Tong, the zoo’s rare (and adorable) golden takin calf

SAN DIEGO — A uncommon male golden takin calf born on the San Diego Zoo now has a reputation: Jin Tong, or “Golden Boy” in Mandarin Chinese language.

Takins are horned mammals associated to sheep that dwell within the excessive elevations of their native Himalayan mountains, the zoo mentioned in a information launch. They’re recognized for his or her agility, which permits them to navigate rugged landscapes simply.

The zoo is the one place that golden takins will be seen within the Western Hemisphere, and the arrival of child Jin Tong was a significant event in March. It was simply the second animal of its subspecies to be born within the West — and the primary boy.

The calf is doing nicely and “adjusting to life throughout the herd,” the zoo mentioned. His mom’s title is Bona.

The opposite calf to be born in San Diego got here across the identical time final yr. That little golden takin was a lady named Mei Ling, or “lovely antelope.”

“Whereas younger takins have a a lot darker coloured coat, the adults have thick, shaggy, golden-hued coats, which offers the species its title,” the zoo defined. That distinction is clear in a latest photograph of the calf with its mom shared by the zoo.

Guests can see the pair bonding and little Jin Tong exploring within the zoo’s Asian Passage space. You possibly can view a San Diego Zoo map right here and a plan a visit to the park on-line.

Takins are listed as “weak” on the Worldwide Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Pink Checklist of Threatened Species.