‘Perfectly peculiar’ animal coming to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

The Sichuan takin, an animal native to Central and Western China, is coming to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo this summer. (Supplied/Edmonton Valley Zoo)

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s newest area, the Asian Highlands, will soon be welcoming a new resident.

Officials say the Sichuan takin, which looks like a goat, antelope and muskox, will be brought to the facility for the first time.

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The zoo says the takin is native to the steep, forested mountains of Central and Western China and are a protected species.

The stocky takin possesses a large, moose-like nose to warm mountain air before it reaches their lungs as well as a dense, naturally oily coat to waterproof their fur, which appears golden in colour.

“They are highly agile climbers and move confidently across steep, rocky terrain. They truly are one of the most unusual mountain-dwelling species in the world,” the zoo said in a news release.

“Sichuan takin are an extraordinary addition for us,” said Kim Walker, senior manager, animal care and welfare.

“They’re a species many guests may never have seen in person before, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our zoo family.”

Despite their protected status, takin are considered vulnerable because of habitat loss through farming and mining as well as illegal wildlife trade.

Walker says the addition of takin in Calgary will connect guests with wildlife and conservation.

“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,” she said.

Asian Highlands, the first stage of the zoo’s Imagine Asia region, is set to open in July.