Warsaw Zoo was founded in 1928. At that time there were about 500 animals in the zoo, and now there are up to 5,000. There are many among them that can only be seen at the zoo now, as well as those that are not found in any of the Polish zoos: anteaters, cheetahs, macaws gazelles. The Warsaw Zoo is located in the center of the capital, near the Vistula River, in a picturesque park of 40 hectares. They live in a zoo and feel great about many rare species of animals. Here you can see animals such as pandas, kangaroos, penguins, cheetahs, African pigs, elephants, camels, hippos, giraffes, lions, tigers, rhinos, chimpanzees, gorillas, panthers and many others. The zoo contains mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and laboratory animals. In 1998, a modern serpentarium was opened, which represented 50 species of reptiles. These include turtles, monitor lizards, crocodiles, poisonous snakes. In 2003, the enclosures for elephants and rhinos were improved, and in 2006 - the aviary for monkeys. The opening of the pavilion for hippos and sharks took place in 2010. Lessons from primary and secondary schools, lectures for students, classes for children with disabilities are held at the zoo, and children's birthday parties are also organized. Warsaw Zoo is a favorite vacation spot for residents of the capital. The only free-flight hall in Poland is located in the Warsaw Zoo. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, one can observe a flight over the heads of visitors of colorful Asian birds, listen to their beautiful singing and the sound of a waterfall. The Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, which is called the Bird Sanctuary, treats and rehabilitates birds. About 1,500 birds undergo treatment annually, of which about half the birds are released after recovery. The Warsaw Zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoological Gardens along with 10 other major Polish zoos and is included in the list of monuments in Warsaw.