Obviously a great spot to take the kids to look at all the animals, but while here there is also some good spots to check for birds.  There is a platform overlooking the river (across from the Monkey house) that is often good for spotting waterfowl on the river.  The trail along the river can be good in the after dawn as the steep slopes get the early morning sunlight.

The Riverview Zoo is a free for the public and has ample parking (although can be quite busy throughout the summer).  The property is split between the main zoo on the upper slope and picnic areas on the lower portion near the river.  There is a trail that extends along the edge of the river.