Loading media…
Meet the
Yak
Bos grunniens
I am a large, strong member of the cattle family, easily recognized by my long shaggy coat, curved horns, and powerful body. I am specially adapted to life in cold, high-altitude environments where many other large animals would struggle to survive. My thick fur keeps me warm, while my strong legs help me move across rocky and snowy mountain terrain. I usually spend much of my day grazing on grasses and other vegetation.
Did you know?
- I have a very thick, long coat that protects me from extremely cold mountain temperatures.
- I have large lungs and a strong heart that help me survive in thin mountain air.
- I can live at very high altitudes where the air contains less oxygen.
- I mainly eat grasses, herbs, mosses, and other mountain plants.
- People in Himalayan regions have kept yaks for thousands of years for milk, wool, transport, and other purposes.
Habitat & food
Habitat
I live in high-altitude grasslands, mountain valleys, and cold plateaus of Central Asia, especially around the Himalayan and Tibetan regions. I am well adapted to freezing temperatures, strong winds, and thin mountain air because of my thick coat and powerful body.
Visitor guidelines
Please stay behind the safety barriers and do not try to touch or feed me. Although I may appear calm, I am a large and powerful animal and need plenty of personal space. Avoid shouting, teasing, or throwing objects into my enclosure. Keep children close and follow zoo staff instructions so everyone can observe me safely and respectfully.