St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to Open 'Python Challenge' on 5/23

On Friday, May 23 at 10:00 am, The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park will celebrate the opening of the park's newest attraction, a 40-foot controlled free fall adventure! Python Challenge at Crocodile Crossing incorporates the newest technology in adventure recreation to offer thrill-seekers the adrenaline rush of a fast open-air descent from a custom-designed tower high above the canopy of the park. To inaugurate the new attraction, St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles-accompanied by a second surprise celebrity guest-will take the first plunge.

Python Challenge is the latest addition to the Alligator Farm's popular Crocodile Crossing attraction, a 7-acre zip line course offering park visitors an aerial eco-adventure and a unique opportunity to view crocodiles, alligators, birds, and other animals. Visitors who accept the Python Challenge will scale a ladder to the top of the launch tower before strapping in to a coiled lanyard equipped with magnetic eddy current braking technology. Then, with a heart-stopping step off the edge of the platform, each visitor is plunged into a controlled free fall that ends with a safe, non-jarring return to the ground.

"This is very new technology, and we're one of only a handful of parks around the country that have installed a free-fall of this kind," said Scott Brown, Crocodile Crossing Manager. "I found out about it at a challenge course technology seminar, and we all agreed that Python Challenge would make a perfect addition to the thrills of Crocodile Crossing. It's guaranteed to get your heart pumping," he added.

The ornate carvings at the top of the Python Challenge launch towers were created by Tommy Oleson, a well-known wood artist whose works are visible throughout Northeast Florida and beyond. The free-jump harness and braking technology was provided by Head Rush Technologies, a Colorado-based designer and manufacturer of high-intensity thrill ride products and technologies.

The ribbon cutting for Python Challenge, scheduled for Friday at 10 am, will be held in time to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. Media and the public are welcome to attend to catch a glimpse of Mayor Boles and a special guest taking the first plunge. The attraction will open to the public immediately after the grand opening celebration. Ticket prices are $10 when purchased with a Crocodile Crossing course pass, or $15 when purchased alone. Summer hours for Python Challenge will be Sunday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. Participants must be at least ten years old and at least 57" tall to take the Python Challenge. There is a 250 lb. weight limit.