𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

…𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆, 𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚

By Babita Kharel

The Motithang Takin Preserve, a renowned tourist destination in Thimphu, has recently reopened in April 2024 following a comprehensive renovation. The preserve, home to the country’s national animal, the takin, has undergone improvements aimed at offering visitors a more immersive experience while ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures remains a top priority. The setting of the Takin Preserve embodies a harmonious balance between nature and human intervention.

The renovation project was centered on the creation of a more natural habitat for the takins. Enclosures have been redesigned to mimic the takin’s mountainous ecosystem, featuring simulated climbing areas and lush vegetation expanses. These enhancements enable the animals to display their natural behaviors and thrive in a more comfortable environment.

According to statistics provided by the Policy and Planning Division, the highest number of visitors recorded from 2014 up until the renovation was 300 in a month. Since the renovation, the lowest recorded visitor count, including locals, is 2,434, and the highest so far is 15,159, including both international and local visitors.

These renovations have also led to a significant increase in visitor numbers. This surge in visitors has resulted in a notable boost in revenue for the preserve, facilitating additional improvements and enhanced care for the animals. The increase in visitors signifies more than just a tourism boost; it reflects a burgeoning public interest in Bhutan’s unique wildlife and the imperative of its preservation. With the enhanced facilities, the preserve is well-equipped to educate visitors about the takin’s crucial role in the ecosystem and the ongoing conservation efforts.

Sonam Wangdi, Chief Forestry Officer, said, “It’s a learning place where people can learn more about the animals and their behavior, understand the efforts put forth for the conservation of wildlife and the important role they play in the ecosystem. Improved amenities, including the natural history museum that is likely to come soon and the use of technology for virtual experiences, help people learn more about animal and wildlife conservation. It will become a more immersive and informative hub.”

The visitor experience has been significantly enhanced with the addition of new viewing platforms, providing unobstructed views of the takins. Furthermore, informative signage has been installed to educate visitors about the takins’ biology, conservation status, and cultural significance in Bhutan.

Considering Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability, the renovation likely incorporated eco-friendly practices. This includes the use of local and recycled materials in the construction process, as well as the implementation of rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting systems.

The Takin Preserve has been receiving glowing reviews from international tourists impressed by its commitment to natural habitats. Francois Cezard, a visitor from Paris, lauded the preserve’s focus on creating a natural environment for the animals. He contrasted this with the smaller enclosures he’d seen at the Vincennes Zoo in Paris, where he felt the animals seemed confined. Cezard remarked on the Takin Preserve’s spacious enclosures, allowing the animals room to explore, and expressed his overall delight with the tour and his Bhutanese adventure.

Similarly, Barry Machin, hailing from the United Kingdom, commended, “During my recent visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve in Bhutan, I was thoroughly impressed by the reasonable ticket price, which I felt offered exceptional value for the tour. As someone hailing from the United Kingdom, I appreciate when attractions provide affordable access to such unique experiences. One of the highlights of my visit was seeing the takins, Bhutan’s national animal, in their natural habitat. Witnessing these majestic creatures roam freely within the preserve was truly awe-inspiring. It was evident that the preserve’s efforts to recreate their habitat were successful, as the takins appeared comfortable and content in their surroundings.”

Sonam Wangdi, Chief Forestry Officer, from the Natural Conservation Division, said, “The construction of an elevated walkway, introduction of two cafes, restrooms at strategic locations, a gazebo for comfort, picnic spots, a children’s playground with facilities, and a beautiful flower garden and trellis enhance the overall experience of visitors.”

Moreover, to enhance the visitor experience, they are planning to offer guided tours for visitors to understand more about animal behaviors and ecology in their natural habitat. Due to the expected increase in the number of school children visiting the preserve, they plan to have more educational programs and other initiatives that would ultimately result in increased education about wildlife conservation and more awareness of the need for wildlife conservation.

Bhavna Mayur Budh, visiting from Gujarat, India, appreciated the Takin Preserve’s fresh and pleasant atmosphere. She noted the serene environment and natural habitat provided for the animals, highlighting the abundant natural vegetation. While acknowledging the wider variety of animals found in Indian zoos, Budh praised the Takin Preserve’s superior maintenance compared to those facilities. She concluded by expressing her overall enjoyment of the zoo tour. The reviews from tourists highlight the Takin Preserve’s success in creating a modern zoological experience that prioritizes animal well-being and a natural environment.

Furthermore, the Motithang Takin Preserve has emerged as a beacon of conservation excellence, drawing praise from international tourists for its commitment to preserving natural habitats and fostering public awareness about wildlife conservation.