Emerging
Jun 19, 20261
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Golden Takin Born at Tama Zoo After Seven-Year Breeding Hiatus
A male golden takin was born at Tama Animal Park on June 11, 2026, the first successful breeding at the facility in seven years. The calf is the offspring of eight-year-old Nazuna and six-year-old Hama, both born at the zoo, and is currently nursing and bonding with its mother in a private enclosure.
Quick Facts
Who
Nazuna (mother, 8 years old)
What
Golden takin calf born
When
June 11, 2026 at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Where
Tama Animal Park, Tokyo
- Golden takin calf born
- First successful breeding at facility since 2019
- Breeding program implemented
- Calf standing and nursing confirmed
- Parents housed together for breeding
A male golden takin has been born at Tama Animal Park in Tokyo, marking the first successful breeding of the species at the facility in approximately seven years. The chick was born on June 11, 2026, to parents Nazuna, an eight-year-old female, and Hama, a six-year-old male. Both parents were born at Tama Zoo and have been part of the facility's breeding program.
The breeding initiative began in summer 2025 when Nazuna and Hama were housed together. During this period, caretakers observed Hama mounting Nazuna multiple times. The zoo prepared the environment carefully, expecting a birth around May 2026. On June 11 at approximately 9:00 a.m., keepers confirmed the successful birth of the male calf in the animal house.
Nazuna is experiencing motherhood for the first time and is caring for her offspring in a private bedroom area away from public view. The newborn demonstrated healthy development, standing on its own and nursing from its mother on the day of birth. Zoo staff are prioritizing a calm, secure environment for the mother-calf pair and monitoring their progress carefully.
As of mid-June 2026, Tama Zoo houses six golden takins total, including the newborn. Across Japan, the species is maintained in four facilities with a combined population of 23 individuals. The zoo has not yet announced a public viewing date, stating that details will be released once finalized.
Why This Matters
This birth represents a significant milestone in Japanese zoo conservation efforts for an endangered species. Golden takins are rare, with only 23 individuals across four Japanese facilities. The successful breeding at Tama Zoo after a seven-year gap demonstrates renewed capacity in the facility's animal husbandry program and offers hope for species preservation through coordinated captive breeding. The event also reinforces the educational and scientific value of modern zoos in species recovery.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 10, 2018
WireNazuna born at Tama Animal Park
Jan 1, 2019
WireLast golden takin breeding at Tama Zoo before 2026
Jul 16, 2019
WireHama born at Tama Animal Park
Jun 11, 2026
WireNewborn calf stands and nurses on day of birth
Jun 11, 2026
WireMale golden takin calf born at Tama Animal Park
Jun 18, 2026
WireBirth announced by Tama Animal Park