Tiny Hooves, Big Sighs
The little one scampered up to the huge cylindrical brush in the middle of its yard, reeled back on its hind legs and nuzzled its furry face into the soft bristles. Then, upon realizing it was six feet away from mom, skipped back over to her for a quick suckle. This episode in early March was silent, save for the gushing sighs from the zoo visitors who’d gathered at the Antelope & Zebra Area to welcome this newborn Sichuan takin to the world.
 
Born to the female who arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo in November, this 20-pound male was sired back at San Diego Zoo. But Chicago’s resident male takin (a big softy according to keepers) was gentle and inquisitive upon introduction to his new, puppy-sized exhibit mate, as was the other female. Herd animals native to the mountain forests of China, all three takin will help rear this youngster.
 
The mother exhibits great maternal instincts, nurturing the little one when it requires it, and allowing it to roam when it wants, soaking up the adoration of staff and visitors who quickly labeled it the cutest animal at the zoo.