SOAR LIKE A CONDOR AT SAN DIEGO ZOO'S WILD ANIMAL PARK—AND HELP SAVE THE ENDANGERED BIRDS

By Miriam Raftery May 1, 2009 (San Pasqual)—Ever wonder what it’s like to soar above wildlife for a birds-eye view? Now you can find out firsthand. Flightline, the new zip-line adventure at San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, is now open.

Flightline takes guests on a ride for 2/3 of a mile starting at 400 feet above Asian and African animal exhibits. The ride allows riders to mimic the experience of a bird in flight and reach speeds of up to 47 miles per hour. The Park's Flightline is one of the longest zip lines in North America.

The high-thrill high-wire experience lasts 1½ to 2 hours. It includes an orientation where guests watch a safety presentation, sign a liability waiver, learn about flight and get their harnesses. They then take the first of their two flights, a 450-foot "fledgling" run with a 31-foot drop. Afterward, riders board a safari vehicle for a behind-the-scenes tour along the route to the top of Flightline. There they will have the best view of the Park and anticipate this flight-of-fancy.

"We've always brought people closer to animals, but Flightline allows guests to experience the Park from a bird's perspective," said Michael Ahlering, the Park's director of operations. "They get to have fun, build a new understanding for our winged friends and also support our ongoing work to save the California condor."

One-third of all proceeds from the operation of Flightline goes to the San Diego Zoo's efforts to save the California condor. By using the ride to create funding for a conservation effort, the Zoo hopes to set a new economic model for sustainable conservation support.

The cost of Flightline is $70, plus admission to the Wild Animal Park for nonmembers. Participants must be free of back or neck injuries, at least 10 years old and weigh between 75 and 250 pounds.

Flightline was designed by Canada-based Greenheart Conservation Construction Co. Ltd. Greenheart (www.greenheart.ca) is a company that designs, builds and operates nature-based attractions around the world that promote and protect nature.

The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park is operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoo and includes a 900-acre native species reserve. The Zoo also manages the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. The conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego. Visitors can call 760-747-8702 for general Park information or visit www.wildanimalpark.org .