Over 20 matches in and we come to a category that both zoos have strengths in, birds. Memphis won this exact category last round against Tampa with their bird house and dozens of conservation programs in which they participate in. San Diego however comes with some superb additions as well, including the incredible Parker, Owens and Scripps aviaries in the lost forest, the new Africa Rocks aviary, a splendid African penguin shore, dozens of passerine aviaries scattered throughout the zoo, a large California condor aviary, and an incredible collection among them make it a very strong match in favor of the California giant.
One of the most one-sided match-ups in the competition as San Diego Zoo is simply outstanding for birds. The International Zoo Yearbook listed 330 species and 2,000 specimens, data that may well be two years old but still relevant. The enormous Scripps and Owens aviaries are breath-taking, plus there are little gems like the Parker Aviary, Hummingbird Aviary and at least 50 more bird exhibits sprinkled around the zoo's expansive grounds. San Diego is one of the world's great zoos for birds.
You do not want to face San Diego when the category is Birds. I think the Scripps and Owens aviaries alone take out Memphis.
Worth mentioning that the Hummingbird Aviary is rather hummingbird-less now as they're closing it That said, when it comes to birds, it is the San Diego Zoo... ~Thylo
It's rather hidden unfortunately. Before you reach the children's zoo, there's a good shack on your right and a small path heading down a short hill right to the house. ~Thylo
