The exposition spans four floors, each representing a different altitude or environment, from the sea floor to the tropical canopy.
The facility utilizes advanced water-cleaning technology, including protein skimmers and UV sterilizers, to maintain the salt-water reef ecosystem.
It houses a variety of species including sharks, stingrays, and diverse tropical fish within its primary saltwater tank.
The exhibit includes a 'living wall' of mosses and ferns that serves as a humidity regulator for the indoor environment.
The building was originally a factory before being renovated specifically to house these climate-controlled biological zones.
Paradise Islands (Rajské ostrovy) is a specialized exposition of Zoo Děčín focused on showcasing diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to coastal coral reefs. The facility is housed in a repurposed historic building that features a multi-level layout designed to represent vertical biotopes. Visitors explore aquatic and terrestrial habitats, including mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and river basins. The central attraction is a massive tank representing a coral reef, supported by complex filtration technology. Educational displays focus on the interconnection of species within these fragile environments. It functions as an off-site satellite of the main Děčín Zoo located on Pastýřská stěna.
The viewing window of the main saltwater reef tank provides the most striking interior lighting and animal visibility.
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as the narrow staircases and viewing platforms can become congested during weekends.
Take time to watch the feeding sessions, which occur at specific intervals and provide the best views of the active aquatic animals.
Read the information boards near the reef tank to understand the specific biodiversity challenges currently facing coral environments.
Do not attempt to touch the glass of the large tanks or tap on them, as this disturbs the behavioral patterns of the sharks and rays.
Open daily throughout the year; occasional maintenance closures may occur in early winter.
Maintain a quiet volume near the tanks to avoid stressing the fish; do not use flash photography as it startles the animals.
