Brevard Zoo’s Treetop Trek Getting Zippier
By Robert Hughes // February 1, 2013
Faster Routes Opening Soon
(VIDEO: hnzufx)
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Treetop Trekkers have spoken, and the Brevard Zoo has responded.
The popular trek visitors have been taking near the tops of the trees and over the zoo’s animal exhibits called Treetop Trek has a new option. The zoo is making available a new, less strenuous route that involves more fast-moving zip-lines and fewer aerial challenges than before.
The previous challenging course will remain, but the new route called the All-Zip – which opens soon — will be another option.
“This is in response to public request,” said Brevard Zoo Director of Attractions Andrew Batten. “We asked our zoo guests what kinds of changes they might like and the No. 1 answer was to just do zip lines. People expressed concerns about having enough stamina to complete the aerial challenges.”
Batten figures the new all-zip course will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, compared to the three hours most people take now on the aerial challenges course. The cost will also be lower for the all-zip at $40 while the aerial challenge course will stay at $48.
The canopy walk – which takes about 45 minutes to complete and costs $25 — will continue to be an option, too. The hours for the canopy walk will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the other two options will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. An added half-hour will be added during Daily Savings Time. The full Tree Top Trek course covers 20 acres.
Mary Keister of West Melbourne said she “loves” the Treetop Trek especially for the zip lines.
“It is so much fun; you feel like you’re flying,” she said. “I do enjoy the challenge course, too. But it does wear you out, so I’m happy they’re giving the All-Zip alternative, and I’m going to have to try it.”
Batten said, “You could say the three options range from intermediate to very advanced activities. The all-zip course will still be physically challenging, but not as draining for people in the hot months.”
Participants will have the option to do the canopy walk and then the challenge course at a special price, if they prefer.
“This is all a reflection of what people have requested,” Batten said.
Admission to Treetop Trek does not include Zoo admission and you are not required to purchase Zoo admission to experience Treetop Trek.
The zoo is offering a Valentine’s Day special of $6 off the Treetop Trek’s normal price.
A Zip and Zoo Value two-day ticket includes admission to Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures. The price ranges from $34 to $54 for adults and $22 to $50 for children – depending on the Treetop Trek course. This ticket is good for one visit to each attraction.
Brevard Zoo also offers an annual pass for Treetop Trek. The cost for Treetop Challenge (which includes the Canopy Walk) is $199. You can purchase one at the membership window at the front entrance to the Zoo or go online at brevardzoo.org.
The maximum weight for participants of the Treetop Trek is 250 pounds and the minimum height is 54 inches.
Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver form release.
Children 12 and under are required to have an adult chaperone with them on the Treetop Challenge course.
For more information, go to brevardzoo.org or call 321-254-9453.
TREETOP TREK COSTS:
New all-zip course $40 (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
Aerial challenge course $48 (about 3 hours)
Canopy walk $25 (about 45 minutes)
Hours of operation for the All-Zip and Aerial Challenge are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hours for the Canopy Walk are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
