A short distance up the road to the telecommunications tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo. Some years ago the fourth king decided that such a facility was not in keeping with Bhutan's environmental and religious convictions, and it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the takins, Bhutan's national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals, and the new visitor centre and cafe should be open by the time you visit. Also, expect an entrance fee to have been introduced. The best time to see them is early morning when they gather near the fence to feed.
