The Oregon Zoo’s mountain goats are in for some climbing competition. A new rock-climbing wall will open to the public Saturday, March 24, near the goats’ rocky Cascade Crest habitat just inside the main entrance.
The 24-foot wall can accommodate up to four climbers at a time, with routes to the top ranging from easy to medium for different climbing abilities. The safety harness and auto-belay — an automatic brake-and-release system designed to lower climbers to the ground — adjusts based on the weight of the person climbing, from 40 to 250 pounds.
“Our staff is training on the climbing wall now,” said Lisa Thornton, the zoo’s admissions manager. “We think our guests are really going to have fun with it.”
The wall is built for human climbers to enjoy, but it comes with some special zoo-inspired touches. The handholds are shaped like animals, and when climbers reach the top they can celebrate with a buzzer that makes the sound of a rooster crowing.
Tickets are $5, or $4.50 for zoo members. Beginning this weekend, the wall will be open daily, weather permitting. Climbers must wear closed-toe shoes, but beyond that no experience or special gear is required. The rock-climbing wall is located near the zoo’s main entrance, within view of the mountain goats.
Source: Oregon Zoo