By Jessica Keith
Zip lining used to be considered a radical adventure activity, where you were suspended above tropical canopies in faraway, exotic escapes.
But Zip lines have opened up all over the place and riding one is definitely something to try at least once in a lifetime. A zip line is basically a cable mounted on an incline with a pulley attached. A safety harness is strapped to the pulley which allows people to sit while they “zip” down the line to the other side where there is a platform.
The movement is powered by gravity. Riders zip across one end of the zip line to the other, encountering unforgettable views along the way. Zip lining is also an exciting way to push physical and mental capabilities to the max, while experiencing the rush of the wind in your face and unique views which can only be seen from the treetops.
The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne recently opened up the new zip lining attraction called Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures, which operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Treetop Trek has large zip lines 40 feet above the ground. Patrons fly more than 700 feet across the wetlands and zip by alligators, monkeys and other zoo animals. There are three courses available with two of the courses allowing guests to look down upon some of the zoo’s animal habitats. Course prices range from $15 to $40 and prices do not include zoo admission. You don’t have to purchase zoo admission in order to experience Treetop Trek.
Andrea Hill, marketing director of the Treetop Trek, says ,“Treetop Trek is a new, outdoor attraction that gives guests a chance to explore the world high up in the trees, having fun moving tree to tree and challenging themselves with thrilling elements such as tightropes, crab walks, jungle bridges, nets, and best of all zip lines”.
Local college students find zip lining to be a good stress reliever. Christopher Taylor, 20, has an annual pass for the zip line courses and believes that it helps relieve the stress of school.
“It is always a thrill to just rely on a metal wire to zip across a giant lake. You can feel the adrenaline rush hit when you realize it’s only you versus the heights. The different challenges of the courses can be extremely difficult, almost like you are in boot camp training. Once you begin you just forget the outside world and enjoy nature,” Taylor says.
Some people find that overcoming their fear of heights can be a challenge. Conquering those fears in a safe and controlled setting can be just as rewarding as the great views. Once fears are conquered, zip lining can be more than just a memorable day trip. It can inspire other challenges in your life to do other things never thought possible.
In addition to the Treetop Trek, the Brevard Zoo offers kayaking through their natural animal habitat, animal feeding and chutes and ladders and canopy walk courses.
The Brevard Zoo is located ½ mile east of I-95, exit 191, in Melbourne. It is centrally-located in Brevard County, less than 20 miles from Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne, Satellite Beach. The Zoo is only 30 miles from Sebastian and Titusville, and less than one hour away from Ft. Pierce, New Smyrna Beach and Orlando.
Admission to the zoo only is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $11 for ages 2-12 and is free for those under age 2. The Zoo is located at 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, 321-254-9453. Or go to www.BrevardZoo.org for information.