The fact that they have not just one, but two IMMENSE walk-through aviaries, both of which are arguably the best aviaries in America, is a real credit to the zoo. Any other zoo in the world would love to have just one of these two.
The fact that they have not just one, but two IMMENSE walk-through aviaries, both of which are arguably the best aviaries in America, is a real credit to the zoo. Any other zoo in the world would love to have just one of these two.
And they are THE BEST aviaries. There are several locations in the Scripps where one can observe without seeing any of the caging/wires. And what a collection in both.
I've been to many great aviaries but Scripps & Owens are my personal favorites.
Birds & Giant Aviaries – This is the best zoo in North America for birds. Scripps Aviary has over 130 birds and is a thick, dense, jungle-like aviary that has multiple boardwalks cruising through it. Owens Aviary (200 birds) is just as overwhelming, Parker Aviary is smaller but worthwhile, and the 23 Australasian Aviaries are small, lushly planted, and showcase a diverse collection of birds that is unmatched anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. There is a small kiwi house, a set of hornbill aviaries (and apparently over 30 species of hornbills at the zoo), some of the largest bird of prey aviaries I’ve ever seen, a couple of flamingo pools with various other waterfowl, and then seemingly an aviary around every nook and cranny of the zoo. My wife and I aren't even huge bird fans, but the collection is vast and while some of the exhibits are basic metal boxes there are also many excellent aviaries. I believe that the Owens and Scripps aviaries are two of the largest walk-through aviaries in the world; the Hummingbird Aviary is tiny but extremely lush; and the Birds of Prey aviaries are outstanding and feature Steller’s sea eagles, Andean condors, harpy eagles and ornate-hawk eagles.
