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Send us your news and pictures. E-mail Marion Hixon at mhixon@IAAPA.org.
Ride Fast for a Cause
 To celebrate the “Intimidator” roller coaster opening March 27, Carowinds amusement park, which straddles the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, will auction off the first rides on the $23 million steel coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard. All proceeds from the auction, which closes March 23, will benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, which in turn benefits charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Earnhardt was the inspiration for the coaster’s theme, so the foundation fits the occasion. “We are delighted to partner with Carowinds to commemorate Dale's legacy with the ‘Intimidator’ roller coaster,” says Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.
www.intimidator.carowinds.com |
 In late 2009, Severn Lamb UK shipped five Lincoln rail trains to Ecoland, an eco-resort in South Korea—the company’s largest order to date. The trains will transport guests around the resort’s natural volcanic habitat, 36-hole golf course, and holiday cottages.
www.severn-lamb.com |
Lost in Reality
 Total Immersion and Japanbased Hanwa Co. are delving deeper into virtual reality with a walkthrough experience where guests participate in a game merging video game and real-time challenges. “We’re demonstrating the ability of augmented reality to capture visitors’ attention and imagination,” says Bruno Uzzan, CEO of Total Immersion. Players take a backpack and a video gun with an infrared camera and LCD display into a horror-themed arena similar to those used for laser tag. They must then progress through the haunted house, shooting ghosts to collect points along the way. A video demonstration is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoOKsKbUxNg. www.t-immersion.com |
An Unconventional Bond
 In 2001, a lion, tiger, and bear (and no, this isn’t Oz) came to live at Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove, Georgia. Immediately trainers noticed the three were not only comfortable with each other, but regarded one another as family. Finally in 2009, the facility gained funds to extend the animals’ habitat and introduce them to the public. As more funding becomes available, the animal rehabilitation and children’s care center plans include a creek for Baloo the bear, Shere Khan the tiger, and Leo the lion. Baloo—often referred to as “The Boss”— is the alpha male, whereas Shere Khan is the most mischievous and playful. Leo, the lion, who regards Shere as a brother figure, is still a playful like a cub and a little lazy at times.
“Most guests are surprised these animals not only live together, but show affection to one another," says Diane Smith, assistant to the director at Noah’s Ark. www.noahs-ark.org
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Wax On, Wax Off
Merlin Entertainments Group is opening three new attrac tions this year on three different continents. One of these—the new Madame Tussauds in Bangkok, Thailand—is set to debut in September and will feature well-known names like pop singer Michael Jackson and basketball’s Yao Ming. Merlin also plans to open a Sea Life Aquarium in Pheonix, Arizona, in late spring and Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester, United Kingdom, by early April.
www.merlinentertainments.biz |
Roping It In
Innovative Leisure’s new Sky Trail Discovery high ropes course (shown here at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009) is being installed for the first time in the United Kingdom. Elements in the course are interchangeable so the Sky Trail can be altered and refreshed throughout the year. www.innovativeleisure.co.uk
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Pouch Potato
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden welcomes a new baby koala. While the animal was born last May, koalas stay secluded in their mothers’ pouches for the first seven months after birth, so it wasn’t until November 2009 that Riverbanks trainers first saw a limb appear from the pouch. www.riverbanks.org |
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