Mucha Zoo An animal kingdom that  delights both adults and kids

Most people are initiated to the delights of the animal kingdom with a visit to the local zoo during their primary school days. Those day-trips, which included sing-a-longs and animal impersonations on the school bus conjure up fond memories for most people. The only thing that spoilt the day were the dreaded questionnaires on the animals which teachers mercilessly told you to write up. Now the teachers' questionnaires are gone, but the fun of watching exotic animals watching you still remains.

It is estimated that some 80 percent of Taiwan's residents have visited Taipei's zoo, making it the most popular recreation spot on the island. Mucha Zoo opened on October 31, 1986, and for NT$40 (children NT$20) provides a great day-out. Besides the some 2,377 animals for you to entertain, the zoo has an education center which explains the history of the universe and the evolution of animals through a mini-theater, displays and a children's hands-on computer room, where kids are electronically taught about animals and the environment.

The zoo's 302 species are divided into geographical sections. Just past the entrance lies the Formosan area where about 20 species indigenous to the island live, including the rare Clouded Leopard. The zoo's administration hopes to create a greater awareness of the island's disappearing wildlife and encourage greater compassion for all Formosan animals.

Leaving the Formosan area behind, you enter a 2 hectare butterfly aviary where over 400 species of butterflies and moths of all shapes, sizes and colors flutter about you.

Next door is the Nocturnal Animal House which creates the illusion of day and night for the animals by computerized lights. Visitors enter an illustration hall to familiarizes themselves with the creatures of the night, and then pass through a "star scenery hall and into the animal exhibition area. Owls, Cotton-top Marmosets, porcupines and other animals of the night go about their nighttime activities oblivious to visitors.

Following the path through the zoo leads you to the big mammals, which are divided into desert, Australian and African animal areas. The Environmental Department of the zoo said it has tried to offer visitors the experience of enjoying a natural wildlife park, and visitors can look down into fields to watch animals wandering around their area.

Strolling around every area of the 182 hectare zoo wears most people out. But there are picnic and rest areas dotted around the grounds, and a children's zoo where the tots can pet good tempered animals, and parents can take a rest.

Getting there is simple: just take the MRT and jump off at the Mucha Zoo stop.