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For a while there it wasn’t certain that Gladys Porter Zoo’s much publicized zip line would actually get built, though ingenuity ultimately won out.

During his remarks at Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Zoo Director Pat Burchfield said that early in the project it was discovered that the property sits on an alluvial plain without a limestone base underneath.

“I will be honest with you,” he said. “This project had its challenges. … All the pilings had to be re-engineered. There were times when we all thought maybe we can’t do it.”

The fact that the project did get done — and opens to the public Thursday — is testament to the hard work of everyone involved, including the builders, city personnel and especially zoo staff, Burchfield said.

“They have been out here night and day for a month, because when the construction completed their task then our task began,” he said.

Describing the event as “the genesis of your new zoo,” Burchfield said that the zip line is the first project of phase one of the zoo’s 10-year master plan, approved by the city commission in late 2022. He said he’s already tried the new ride more than once — despite a fear of heights — and that the view is amazing from the top of the attraction’s 120-foot tower.

“When you get to the top you can see downtown Matamoros, and if you look over your left shoulder you can see SpaceX and the port,” Burchfield said.

He called the zip line a “key investment in the zoo’s future” estimated to bring in $415,000 in additional revenue annually.

The city, the zoo and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) invested approximately $1.3 million to make the zip line a reality.

Mayor John Cowen Jr., taking his turn at the podium, said the event “marks a major milestone for one of our city’s most beloved institutions” and that the attraction will enhance the experience of the zoo’s 500,000-plus annual visitors. He added that the master plan is designed to nearly double the zoo’s existing footprint.

The plan includes new and expanded exhibits, and enhanced focus on animal care, educational programming and guest amenities, Cowen said, adding that “the first phase of the master plan sets the tone for what’s to come.”

The mayor thanked city and zoo staff and BCIC, also expressing gratitude to the Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees and BISD Superintendent Jesus J. Chavez for their help in ensuring the zoo’s future.

BISD in September agreed to sell the former Cummings Middle School property, currently housing the district’s career technical education program, to the city in order for the zoo to expand, in exchange for the city helping find a new, better home for the CTE program.

City Manager Helen Ramirez also spoke at Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting, noting that the master plan isn’t just sitting on a shelf gathering dust but rather is already showing results. Featuring input from economists who specialize in zoos, the document is designed to guarantee the zoo will be “sustainable for many years to come,” she said, encouraging everyone present at the ceremony to try out the new zip line.

Cori Pena, BCIC’s president and CEO, said the zip line isn’t just a fun ride but “part of a “bigger vision to boost tourism to support the zoo and bring more unforgettable experiences for our community.”

Brownsville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Esmy Villarreal served as master of ceremonies for Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting.

Eric Quintero, BCIC’s community development manager and a member of the chamber’s Bienvenidos Committee, presented an official committee plaque, which Burchfield and Valley Zoological Society (zoo board) past president Susan Shepherd accepted on behalf of the board and the entire zoo staff.

The cost to ride the zip line is $8 per ride. Riders can also purchase a “Kool Replay” of their experience, including a photo, video or both, for an additional $7 to $12. All proceeds will go toward furthering the mission and future development of the zoo, which opened in 1971.

“I had the great fortune of being here when the zoo was built and when it opened, and now I’m here for the rebirth of the Gladys Porter Zoo moving forward,” Burchfield said. “It’s really, really exciting.”

The post Bird’s eye view: Soaring Eagle Zip Line opens at Gladys Porter Zoo appeared first on MyRGV.com.