Děčín Zoo, founded in 1948, has over 400 animals, representing 150 species. The zoo specializes in the breeding of endangered species, and has become especially well known for its grizzly bears, which it has been keeping since 1983. Another special attraction is the aviary where, amid artificial rock and water landscapes, tropical birds flutter above the visitors’ heads. One part of the grounds is devoted to the fauna of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland. The creatures that live there include birds of prey, snakes, wild boars and wolves. The big playground with a play castle, a “monkey rope” and a climbing wall also makes Děčín Zoo a real paradise for children. Since 2006 the zoo has had a branch in the town centre known as the “Paradise Islands”. On the building’s four floors, visitors can see the flora and fauna of coral reef, mangrove forest, tropical forest and semi-desert.