MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Sunset Zoo announced that Bao-Yu, the 10-year-old Sichuan takin, has died.
According to a social media post, Bao-Yu had been dealing with untreatable health issues that affected his movement and behavior. As a result, Zoo officials made the difficult decision to say goodbye.
Bao-Yu was born at the Minnesota Zoo and later came to the Sunset Zoo with his mother, Mu-She, on March 18, 2024. Mu-She passed away in Dec. 2025. Zoo officials added that after Mu-She died, Bao continued to be a special part of the zoo’s family.
He was curious, gentle, and loved exploring his habitat, often climbing to the top to watch our guests. Even though he was the largest animal at the Zoo, he was a very sweet boy.
We feel honored to have cared for this unique species over the past few years. With Bao-Yu’s passing, the Sichuan takin exhibit will remain empty at this time.
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