Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Two Young Sichuan Takin Brothers

The rare goat-antelope species native to China has found a new home in Chicago.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon colors depicting a single Sichuan takin repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the unique features of this rare goat-antelope species in a modern, abstract style.The Lincoln Park Zoo's new Sichuan takin exhibit celebrates the arrival of these rare, vulnerable animals with a bold, colorful pop art display.Chicago Today

The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has welcomed two young Sichuan takin brothers, Porter and Taiyang, to their animal collection. The takins, a rare goat-antelope species native to China, were born about 100 miles away at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana. In their new habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo, the brothers will showcase their unique features like curved horns and loose skin under their chins.

Why it matters

Sichuan takins are considered a vulnerable species due to overhunting and habitat loss, so the arrival of these two brothers at Lincoln Park Zoo helps raise awareness and conservation efforts for the species. The zoo's new takin exhibit also provides an opportunity for Chicago residents and visitors to learn about and appreciate this unique animal.

The details

Porter, age 3, and Taiyang, age 2, have quickly settled into their new habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo. The brothers will have access to a multi-level climbing structure meant to mimic the steep mountains of their native Himalayan habitat. Sichuan takins are known for their thick, coarse coats, split hooves for climbing, and an oily substance that waterproofs their fur. As social animals, the takins tend to gather in large herds during warmer months before shifting to smaller groups or solitary living in the winter.

  • The takin brothers arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo on April 8, 2026.
  • The zoo's new takin exhibit will open to the public in the coming weeks.

The players

Lincoln Park Zoo

A 35-acre zoo located in Chicago, Illinois that is home to over 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species.

Potawatomi Zoo

A zoo located in South Bend, Indiana that served as the birthplace of the Sichuan takin brothers before they were transferred to Lincoln Park Zoo.

Porter and Taiyang

Two young Sichuan takin brothers, ages 3 and 2 respectively, who have been welcomed to their new home at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Dan Boehm

Curator at Lincoln Park Zoo who expressed excitement about the arrival of the takin brothers and their unique characteristics.

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What they’re saying

“Takins are such a fun and unique animal to see, and we're excited to welcome these two brothers to their new home here at Lincoln Park Zoo. We're quickly getting to know their personalities and have been impressed already with how quickly they've settled into their habitat.”

— Dan Boehm, Curator

What’s next

The new takin exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo will open to the public in the coming weeks, allowing visitors to see Porter and Taiyang in their habitat.

The takeaway

The arrival of these two rare Sichuan takin brothers at Lincoln Park Zoo not only provides an opportunity for Chicago residents and tourists to learn about and appreciate this unique species, but also supports conservation efforts for this vulnerable animal native to the Himalayas.