Takins are large, endangered bovids from the mountain forests of Asia whose welfare in captivity requires specialised nutrition, cool temperatures, and appropriate herd management.
Takin welfare in zoos is complicated by their high-altitude, cold-climate origins and their relatively rare presence in captive collections. Temperature management is important; takins are adapted to cold conditions and can suffer heat stress in warm climates without appropriate cooling measures. Their social nature means that solitary keeping or incompatible group compositions create welfare problems. Nutritional provision must include a diverse range of browse to replicate the dietary variety of their natural habitat. Despite being uncommon in zoos, takins are charismatic animals that generate visitor interest and contribute to awareness of threatened mountain ungulate species. Zoo breeding programmes for takins remain small and internationally coordinated, with genetic management a priority given the small captive population size.