Zip-line course will give aerial view of alligators

Molly Ebersold reported to Historic City News that the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is well into construction of a 7-acre zip line course that will offer park visitors an aerial eco-adventure and a unique opportunity to view crocodiles, alligators, birds and other animals.

Alligator Farm owner, David Drysdale, previewed the “Crocodile Crossing” course which, when opened to the public next month, will feature 50 tree-top platforms and secure cable systems that will enable visitors to “zip” from tree to tree and to encounter aerial obstacles including tightropes, cargo nets and teeter-totters.

The course will incorporate several heart-pounding zips, sure to thrill any and all adventure seekers. Crocodile Crossing will offer the first opportunity in the state to zip across live crocodilians.

The attraction will be accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels, though it will be most suited to those seeking adventure, excitement and a unique perspective on the zoo’s wildlife. Parts of the course will even take visitors above behind-the-scenes areas of the zoo for a sneak peek into park operations.

“Other alligator parks in the state said they would do a zip line — but haven’t yet,” Drysdale said. “We are making it happen.”

“This is going to be an entirely new way to experience the Alligator Farm,” said John Brueggen, Director and General Manager of the Alligator Farm. “We’re very excited about the new opportunities Crocodile Crossing will offer to locals and visitors.”

Brueggen told Historic City News, “There’s nothing else like this in our region”. The course is being constructed by the Alligator Farm in partnership with Acrobranche of Quebec, Canada.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by David Drysdale